US20080177466A1 - Navigation device and method for improving a time to identify a location of the navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device are disclosed for navigation. In at least one embodiment, the method includes establishing a time in which to identify a location of a navigation device upon powering on the navigation device; determining an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time. In at least one embodiment, the navigation device includes a processor to establish a time in which to identify a location of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device and to determine an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and a receiver to obtain information, to improve the time to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.

Description

CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
• The following applications are being filed concurrently with the present applications. The entire contents of each of the following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference: A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING TRAFFIC DATA [Attorney docket number 1012] filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE NETWORK CONNECTIONS [Attorney docket number 1016] filed on even date herewith; and A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING NETWORK COVERAGE [Attorney docket number 1018] filed on even date herewith.
PRIORITY STATEMENT
• The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) on each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/879,543 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,593 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,598 filed Jan. 10, 2007, and 60/879,541 filed Jan. 10, 2007, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
• The present application generally relates to navigation methods and devices.
BACKGROUND
• Navigation devices were traditionally utilized to provide services in vehicles or even on foot, for navigating between two points. Such devices, when used in vehicles, relied on an input or desired destination and a detected or determined GPS/GPRS location signal, to identify an initial location of the navigation device.
SUMMARY
• The inventors of the present application discovered that determination of this GPS/GPRS location signal, to identify an initial location of the navigation device, could be slow. Further, they discovered a need to both increase the speed to obtain this signal and a need to do so in an efficient manner.
• The inventors discovered that, although known manners existed to improve speed of identifying a location of the navigation device upon powering on (such as by use of an LTO (Long Term Orbit) Satellite Location Data File, Optimized from OTA (Over The Air) transmission. LTO files are also described as QuickFixGPS files by both TomTom and other Navigation Industry Manufacturers, Analyst, etc.) files, obtaining such information could occupy a great deal of memory and could slow down the start up process of the navigation device.
• LTO, Long Term Orbit, Data Files use a set of [GPS} satellite location strings, based on the user's current geographic location, used by the navigation device to more accurately determine satellite locations. This results in a decrease of TtFF (Time to First Fix location signal acquisition), namely the time that it takes a navigation device to first obtain its location information after being powered up or turned on.
• This system relies on LIFO, Last in First Out, file management. The LTO file is created using geostationary ground-based calculations to determine satellite locations, and covers a specific period of time. Most LTO files cover standard periods of 1, 3, 5, and 10 day LTO files. This means, while the file is valid, the navigation device can benefit from increased TtFF in both same location power on, and new location power on startup and acquisitions sequences.
• LTO Files naturally degradate. This means over the duration of the file validity, the LTO file itself become less accurate, thus decreeing the known satellite location information, and decreeing the assistance LTO files give to reducing TtFF.
• This occurs from minute changes in the earths rotation from the calculations used to determine the satellite locations. In most cases, TtFF is faster in signal acquisition with a LTO file about to expire, than without a LTO file.
• Typically, LTO File Length also determines the amount of degradation, for example, a 1 day file will see very little degradation, a 3 day file will be more accurate the first day, slightly less on the second day and even slightly less on the third day.
• Current LTO File Delivery systems rely on simple time based expiry, wherein the navigation device, through the processor determines the LTO file will expire, and on a preset time before expiry, may request a new, updated LTO file from the server. The process may be automated, and upload sequences can occur without user input or selection. LTO file length selection may again be a process that is automated, and file length selection may occur without user input or selection.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, at least one of the current problems is improved upon or even solved by instituting LTO File Management, including File Degradation, and Logic Based Rules Governing QOS, Quality of Service. LTO File Systems may be based on LIFO, memory HW restriction and is therefore a preset amount or limitation of File management may be determined by memory space constraints, noting however, that LTO files are typically relatively small, ranging fro 5 to 50 mbs.
• LTO Files are not necessary in a navigation device. A Navigation device will work without them. However, TtFF may be greatly improved by their use, and thus the accuracy in location capture and reporting may also be greatly improved with the use of LTO files. In a device Start-up Sequence in Same Location of the navigation device, the LTO files are valid for a duration. As such, if a user were to download the file on Day 1, on Day 3, (Dependant on LTO File Length) the file may still be valid, and may still be used to reduce TtFF.
• In device Start-up Sequence in New/Different Location of the navigation device, LTO files download time is, in most cases, less than the time required for the navigation device to gain a satellite fix unassisted, and are valid for a duration, and as such if a user were to download the file on Day 1, on Day 3, (Dependant on LTO File Length) the file is still valid, and still used to reduce TtFF.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes establishing a time in which to identify a location of a navigation device upon powering on the navigation device; determining an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes establishing a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of a navigation device; determining, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and obtaining information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon determining-that the established minimum level was not met.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes means for establishing a time in which to identify a location of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device; means for determining an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and means for obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon the means for determining determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes means for establishing a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of the navigation device; means for determining, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and means for obtaining information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon the means for determining determining that the established minimum level was not met.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes a processor to establish a time in which to identify a location of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device and to determine an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and a receiver to obtain information, to improve the time to identify the location upon powering on of a navigation device, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes a processor to establish a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of a navigation device and to determine, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and a receiver to obtain information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon the processor determining that the established minimum level was not met.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present application will be described in more detail below by using example embodiments, which will be explained with the aid of the drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (GPS);
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device of an embodiment of the present application;
• FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server, navigation device and connection therebetween of an embodiment of the present application;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an actual implementation of an embodiment of thenavigation device200;
• FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of a first embodiment of the present application; and
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of a first embodiment of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
• The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present 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 “includes” and/or “including”, 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 example 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.
• Referencing the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, example embodiments of the present patent application are hereafter described. 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 Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices, including the navigation device of embodiments of the present application. Such systems are known and are 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 instances direction information for an unlimited number of users.
• Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which work with the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.
• The GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal 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.
• As shown inFIG. 1, the GPS system is denoted generally byreference numeral100. A plurality ofsatellites120 are in orbit about the earth124. The orbit of eachsatellite120 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits ofother satellites120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. AGPS receiver140, usable in embodiments of navigation devices of the present application, is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals160 from thevarious satellites120.
• The spread spectrum signals160, continuously transmitted from eachsatellite120, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Eachsatellite120, as part of itsdata signal transmission160, transmits a data stream indicative of thatparticular satellite120. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that theGPS receiver device140 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals160 from at least threesatellites120 for theGPS receiver device140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting insignals160 from a total of foursatellites120, permits theGPS receiver device140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of anavigation device200 of an embodiment of the present application, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of thenavigation device200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.
• Thenavigation device200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes aprocessor210 connected to aninput device220 and adisplay screen240. Theinput device220 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilized to input information; and thedisplay device240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In at least one embodiment of the present application, theinput device220 anddisplay device240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input wherein a user need only touch a portion of thedisplay device240 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.
• In addition, other types ofoutput devices260 can also include, including but not limited to, an audible output device. Asoutput device260 can produce audible information to a user of thenavigation device200, it is equally understood thatinput device240 can also include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.
• In thenavigation device200,processor210 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information frominput device240 via a connection, and operatively connected to at least one ofdisplay device240 andoutput device260, via connections to output information thereto. Further, theprocessor210 is operatively connected tomemory230 via a connection and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O)ports270 via a connection, wherein the I/O port270 is connectible to an I/O device280 external to thenavigation device200. The external I/O device270 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The connection to I/O device280 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between thenavigation device200 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, thenavigation device200 includes aninternal modem290, connected toprocessor210 andmemory230, for establishing data connections as will be described hereafter. Themodem290 may further be connected totransceiver300 for transmitting information to and receiving information fromserver302. Thetransceiver300 is further connected toprocessor210.
• Thenavigation device200, in at least one embodiment, may establish a “mobile” network connection with theserver302 via an external mobile device not shown (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with 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 can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with aserver302. As such, a “mobile” network connection may be established between the navigation device200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and theserver302 to provide a “real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
• The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as theserver302, using the internet 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 CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
• As such, an internet connection may be utilized which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between theserver302 and thenavigation device200 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.
• Thenavigation device200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the internet andserver302, 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 GRPS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled 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 thenavigation device200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated in a manner discussed in any of the embodiments, previous and subsequent.
• Thenavigation device200 may include its own mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 itself (including an antenna for example, wherein the internal antenna of thenavigation device200 can further alternatively be used). The mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable SIM (subscriber identity module) card, complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200, in conjunction withmodem290, can similarly establish a network connection between thenavigation device200 and theserver302, via the internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device. It should be noted that such amodem290 can be internal to thenavigation device200, or external thereto, such as in an adapter for example, see U.S. application Ser. No. 11/907,254 entitled “Enhanced Cigarette Lighter Adapter” and filed Oct. 10, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. If located in the adapter, upon the adapter being plugged in to a vehicle for example, power can be supplied to thenavigation device200. In addition, the modem can then be triggered to establish a network connection with theserver200 to send information thereto and receive information therefrom.
• FIG. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between theprocessor210 and an antenna/receiver250, wherein the antenna/receiver250 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver designated byreference numeral250 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch antenna or helical antenna for example.
• Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown inFIG. 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown inFIG. 2 are considered within the scope of the present application. For example, in one embodiment, the components shown inFIG. 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of thenavigation device200 of the present application includes a portable orhandheld navigation device200.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of aserver302 and anavigation device200 of the present application, via ageneric communications channel318, of an embodiment of the present application. Theserver302 and anavigation device200 of the present application can communicate when a connection viacommunications channel318 is established between theserver302 and the navigation device200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, a data connection viamodem290, etc.).
• Theserver302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor304 operatively connected to amemory306 and further operatively connected, via a wired orwireless connection314, to a massdata storage device312. The processor304 is further operatively connected totransmitter308 andreceiver310, to transmit and send information to and fromnavigation device200 viacommunications channel318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. Information received byserver302 can include but is not limited to received information relating to changes in position and speed of a vehicle housing anavigation device200; and information sent by theserver302 can include but is not limited to calculated traffic information and/or other information relating to potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which anavigation device200 is located. Thetransmitter308 andreceiver310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for thenavigation system200. Further, it should be noted that the functions oftransmitter308 andreceiver310 may be combined into asignal transceiver309.
• Server302 is further connected to (or includes) amass storage device312, noting that themass storage device312 may be coupled to theserver302 viacommunication link314. Themass storage device312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from theserver302 or can be incorporated into theserver302.
• Thenavigation device200 is adapted to communicate with theserver302 through any communications channel generally designated by318, and includes processor, memory, etc. as previously described with regard toFIG. 2, as well astransmitter320 and receiver322 to send and receive signals and/or data through thecommunications channel318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other thanserver302. Further, thetransmitter320 and receiver322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for thenavigation device200 and the functions of thetransmitter320 and receiver322 may be combined into asingle transceiver300.
• Software stored inserver memory306 provides instructions for the processor304 and allows theserver302 to provide services to thenavigation device200, such as calculation and transmission of traffic information and/or other information relating to potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which anavigation device200 is located. One service provided by theserver302 involves processing requests from thenavigation device200 and transmitting navigation data from themass data storage312 to thenavigation device200. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, another service provided by theserver302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application (such as calculation of traffic information and/or other information relating to potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which anavigation device200 is located for example) and sending the results of these calculations to thenavigation device200.
• Thecommunication channel318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects thenavigation device200 and theserver302. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, both theserver302 andnavigation device200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.
• Thecommunication channel318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, thecommunication channel318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, thechannel318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, according to at least one embodiment, thecommunication channel318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, thecommunication channel318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (rf) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, according to at least one various embodiment, thecommunication channel318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
• In at least one embodiment of the present application, for example, thecommunication channel318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, thecommunication channel318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, according to at least one embodiment, thecommunication channel318 can accommodate satellite communication. Additionally, according to at least one embodiment, thecommunication channel318 can accommodate multiple, independent satellite systems, and GPS receivers capable of multiple frequencies and signal acquisitions. (Covers impending addition of Multiple Satellite Systems, including, but no limited to; GLONASS, GPS 2, GPS 2.5-3, Galileo and ChinaSat).
• The communication signals transmitted through thecommunication channel318 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 thecommunication channel318. According to at least one embodiment, these signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.
• Themass data storage312 includes sufficient memory for the desired navigation applications. Examples of themass data storage312 may include magnetic data storage media such as hard drives for example, optical storage media such as CD-Roms for example, charged data storage media such as flash memory for example, molecular memory, etc.
• According to at least one embodiment of the present application, theserver302 includes a remote server accessible by thenavigation device200 via a wireless channel. According to at least one other embodiment of the application, theserver302 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
• According to at least one embodiment of the present application, theserver302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and thecommunication channel318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and thenavigation device200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between thenavigation device200 and theserver302 to establish an internet connection between theserver302 and thenavigation device200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device (and/or a modem such as modem290) may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting thenavigation device200 to theserver302 via the internet.
• Thenavigation device200 may be provided with information from theserver302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated upon a user connectingnavigation device200 to theserver302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between theserver302 andnavigation device200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processor304 in theserver302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however,processor210 ofnavigation device200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to aserver302.
• Themass storage device312 connected to theserver302 can include volumes more cartographic and route data than that which is able to be maintained on thenavigation device200 itself, including maps, etc. Theserver302 may process, for example, the majority of the devices of anavigation device200 which travel along the route using a set of processing algorithms. Further, the cartographic and route data stored inmemory312 can operate on signals (e.g. GPS signals), originally received by thenavigation device200.
• As indicated above inFIG. 2 of the application, anavigation device200 of an embodiment of the present application includes aprocessor210, aninput device220, and adisplay screen240. In at least one embodiment, theinput device220 anddisplay screen240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through a touch panel screen, for example. Such a screen may be a touch input LCD screen, for example, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, thenavigation device200 can also include anyadditional input device220 and/or anyadditional output device240, such as audio input/output devices for example.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an actual implementation of an embodiment of thenavigation device200. As shown inFIG. 4A, thenavigation device200 may be a unit that includes an integrated input and display device290 (a touch panel screen for example) and the other components ofFIG. 2 (including but not limited tointernal GPS receiver250,microprocessor210, a power supply,memory systems220, etc.).
• Thenavigation device200 may sit on an arm292, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a large suction cup294. This arm292 is one non-limiting example of a docking station to which thenavigation device200 can be docked.
• As shown inFIG. 4B, thenavigation device200 can be docked or otherwise connected to an arm292 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device292 to the arm292 for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for connection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application). Thenavigation device200 may then be rotatable on the arm292, as shown by the arrow ofFIG. 4B. To release the connection between thenavigation device200 and the docking station, a button on thenavigation device200 may be pressed, for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for disconnection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application).
• Thenavigation device200, in at least one embodiment, may establish a “mobile” network connection with theserver302 via a mobile device400 (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with 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 device400 can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with aserver302. As such, a “mobile” network connection is established between the navigation device200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and theserver302 to provide a “real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
• The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device400 (via a service provider) and another device such as theserver302, using the internet410 for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device400 can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
• As such, an internet connection may be utilized which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between theserver302 and thenavigation device200 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).
• Thenavigation device200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device400, and eventually with the internet410 andserver302, 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.
• Thenavigation device200 may include its own mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 itself (including an antenna for example, wherein the internal antenna of thenavigation device200 can further alternatively be used). The mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card, complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within thenavigation device200 can similarly establish a network connection between thenavigation device200 and theserver302, via the internet410 for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device400.
• For GRPS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled 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 thenavigation device200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated in a manner discussed in any of the embodiments, previous and subsequent.
• In an embodiment of the present application, a method includes establishing a time in which to identify an initial location of anavigation device200 upon powering on thenavigation device200; determining an elapsed time, from powering on thenavigation device200, to identify the location of thenavigation device200; and obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the initial location upon powering on of anavigation device200, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.
• In an embodiment of the present application, once thenavigation device200 is purchased and turned on, a data (e.g. internet) connection between thereceiver250 and the GPS (GPRS, and all terrestrial data transfer methods, as well as home dock and pier to pier) satellite is established to permit receipt of information indicating an initial position of thenavigation device200. The time that it takes for the navigation device.200 to obtain this initial position each time thenavigation device200 is turned on is known as the “time to first fix” (TtFF), as described above in detail.
• As shown inFIG. 5, a method of an embodiment of the present application is first directed to establishing a time in step S500 to identify a location of thenavigation device200 upon powering on thenavigation device200. For example, in an embodiment of the present application, a quality of service (QOS) parameter may be established, identifying such a time (how fast, from power turn on, should it take to identify a location of the navigation device200). Further, thememory230 andprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 may be coded to store such an established quality level. As such, the establishing may include setting a code inside thenavigation device200.
• Further, thememory230 andprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 may be coded to store such an established quality level. As such, the establishing may include a priority sequence to obtain the LTO before other download sequences begin. Theprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 may request from theserver290, an LTO before reaching a standard expiry date in order to maintain TtFF times within a prescribed timeframe. Theprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 may request an LTO file for a planned destination location entered into thenavigation device200 by the user. Quality settings can include the time intervals and geographic regions of LTO files, and direct thenavigation device modem290 toserver302 activity through setting a code inside thenavigation device200.
• Thereafter, theprocessor210 can be tasked to make sure that the quality level is achieved. For example, once thenavigation device200 is powered on, theprocessor210 can determine, in step S510 ofFIG. 5, an elapsed time from powering on of the navigation device to when the location of the navigation device is identified. Upon theprocessor210 determining that the elapsed time is below the established time stored inmemory230 for example, then in step S520 ofFIG. 5, theprocessor210 can instruct the receiver320 (which may be part of anintegrated transceiver300 for example) to obtain information (via a network such as the internet for example), to improve the time in which to identify the location of thenavigation device200 upon powering on of thenavigation device200.
• The information obtained by thereceiver320 may be, for example, an LTO file. Such a file may be download from a network, such as the internet for example (viamodem290 andtransceiver300 connecting thenavigation device200 to a network for example), to improve the “time to first fix”. Current implementations rely on standard expiry times, and do take into consideration the degradation that occurs over time in LTO files. The QOS file includes numeric quality reference standards that the navigation device LTO file management must prescribe to. The QOS file is stored inmemory230, and is referenced byprocessor210 when an LTO related activity is scheduled, or when a measured standard of either TtFF, connectivity, or QOS is breached, altered or approaching. The QOS determines the activity sequence, file update frequency, and predicative file management for planned routes.
• Alternatively, themodem290 andtransceiver300 may connect thenavigation device200 to theserver302 for download based on determined Quality settings. For example, a commercial use of thenavigation device200 may prioritize lower TtFF as highest need, in order to ensure the highest accuracy, and therefore (service) Quality, of the track and trace elements of navigation. This then requires more lower duration LTO files with a higher frequency of LTO requests, and the use of LTO destination file planning. In a consumer use ofnavigation device200, prioritizes cost and ease of use, and therefore (cost) Quality of the Network connection and data download amounts. This then requires data optimized LTO file downloads, with data usage becoming a QOS calculation balancing TtFF performance. As such, LTO files would be updated less regularly and managed to avoid high data consumption, and download destination LTO files within a lower prices network connection.
• Thus, in using a QOS reference file to determine LTO activity, upon theprocessor210 determining that the elapsed TtFF time is below the established QOS reference time, of which the QOS reference file is stored inmemory230, a connection between thenavigation device200 and a network may be established to obtain the LTO information. In TtFF Management, the LTO file may then be executed to improve the elapsed time in a known manner, from powering on of thenavigation device200, in which to identify the location of thenavigation device200. In turn on of thenavigation device200 in a New Location, the acquired LTO file for the planned destination location may then be acquired bynavigation device290, and themodem290 andtransceiver300 may then connect thenavigation device200 to theserver302 for download based on determined Quality settings, and the correct geographic LTO file, and correct file length.
• In at least one embodiment, information is transmitted from between thenavigation device200 and theserver302 in the initial start-up sequence with a device type code as explained above, as part of the connection between thenavigation device200 and theserver302. If a destination location is entered in navigation device200 (by a user selecting or otherwise inputting a desired destination for example), that is outside of the current Geo-zone of thenavigation device200, then an appropriate LTO file may be placed in a download sequence of thenavigation device200. In addition, information transmitted from the navigation device may be used to further identify the navigation device, such as intended vehicle usage and type for example, to determine the QOS settings, relating to the quality/cost calculation (for example, Time to First Fix/Network data costs. The QOS then, by category, may be used to determine mathematical accuracy and reliability in vehicle TtFF calculations.
• In at least one embodiment, information is transmitted from between thenavigation device200 and theserver302 to further determine satellite location and reduce TtFF along the route of travel of the vehicle. The GPS chipset calculation may enable thenavigation device200 to determine and acquire a faster GPS fix. Using a simple rules based management system, thenavigation device200 may request LTO files fromserver302, with variation in, for example: LTO File Request Frequency, LTO File length, and/or LTO File Geo-Coverage.
• For example if anavigation device200 user is currently in The Netherlands, and enters a route to Spain, thenavigation device200 may request a short LTO for the Netherlands region, and dependant on Network Coverage parameters, such as cost and proximity to network changes for example, thenavigation device200 may request a longer file for the Spain Region. Thenavigation device200 can then manage LTO files, reduce to minimum network data costs, optimize TtFF calculations, and travel accurately based upon the received information.
• In at least one embodiment, information is transmitted from between thenavigation device200 and theserver302 upon thenavigation device200 and/orserver302 determining device type, such as Commercial, Consumer (vehicle), Moto, and Pedestrian usage. A QOS File of thenavigation device200 and/or theserver302 may then set usage standards LTO File Information based on the device type category, and data obtained fromnavigation device200 may then be used to determine TtFF behavior and expected Track and Trace availability, with enhanced accuracy and predictive methods due to increased signal availability. In at least one embodiment, once the Network Interface Protocol connection between thenavigation device200 and theserver302 is established, as part of the Protocol, the connection may be identified with a navigation device type.
• Implementation of the process shown inFIG. 5 can be done by aprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 in at least one other embodiment of the present application. For example, in at least one embodiment, anavigation device200 can include aprocessor210 to establish a time in which to identify an initial location of thenavigation device200 upon powering on thenavigation device200 and to determine an elapsed time, from powering on thenavigation device200, to identify the initial location of thenavigation device200; and a receiver322 (part oftransceiver300 for example) to obtain information, to improve the time to identify a location upon powering on of anavigation device200, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.
• In an embodiment of the present application, a method includes establishing a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of anavigation device200; determining, upon powering on thenavigation device200, whether or not thenavigation device200 meets the established minimum level; and obtaining information, to aid thenavigation device200 in meeting the established minimum level, upon determining that the established minimum level was not met.
• As shown inFIG. 6, a method of an embodiment of the present application is first directed to establishing a minimum level in step S600 for a parameter of quality of service of anavigation device200. Thereafter, upon powering on thenavigation device200, in step S610 theprocessor210 determines whether or not thenavigation device200 meets the established minimum level. Finally, in step S620, information is obtained (viamodem290 andtransceiver300 connecting thenavigation device200 to a network for example) to aid thenavigation device200 in meeting the established minimum level, upon theprocessor210 determining that the established minimum level is not met.
• For example, in an embodiment of the present application, a minimum level for a quality of service (QOS) parameter may be established. This can include, for example, identifying how fast, from power turn on, it should take to identify a location of the navigation device200 (first to fix), for example. Further, thememory230 andprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 may be coded to store such an established minimum QOS level.
• For example, in commercial use, TtFF has a quantitative cost association, subscription payments are taken to by service provider to guarantee a service. If TtFF is taking, for example, 0.05 percent of the overall drive time, then the service has a downtime of 0.05 percent. Higher frequency and shorter duration LTO files reduce this downtime at a cost of higher Network data usage. Therefore, one of the main QOS standards may be initial time to signal acquisition (TtFF), related to cost functions, and as a QOS measurement, stored within the QOS File, stored onmemory230. This relationship may be expressed as a TtFF/cost relationship, and can produce a numerical reference. Further, this numerical reference, stored in thememory230 and used inprocessor210 of thenavigation device200, may be referenced to determine LTO file duration and frequency, as well as network prioritization, data sequence planning, and destination location LTO file attributes.
• As such, the QOS file may be coded to store such an established minimum Ttff/cost QOS level. This relationship can vary dependent on use category; for example; High priority, commercial, consumer, pedestrian, etc. The higher the QOS setting, the higher the Service quality guarantee, and as such the higher the value is to the end user. As such, the establishing of a user type, may include setting a user related code inside thenavigation device200.
• Thus, in one embodiment, theprocessor210 can be tasked to make sure that the minimum QOS level is achieved. For example, once thenavigation device200 is powered on, theprocessor210 can determine an elapsed time, from powering on of thenavigation device200, to when the location of thenavigation device200 is identified and can determine whether or not the elapsed time is below the minimum QOS level stored inmemory230 for example. Upon theprocessor210 determining that the elapsed time is below the minimum QOS level stored inmemory230 for example, then theprocessor210 can instruct the receiver320 (which may be part of anintegrated transceiver300 for example) to obtain information (via a network such as the internet for example), to aid thenavigation device200 in meeting the established minimum level. For example, such information can be used to improve the time in which to identify the location of thenavigation device200 upon powering on of thenavigation device200. As such, the quality of service parameter may involve elapsed time before determining an initial position of thenavigation device200 upon powering on thenavigation device200.
• The information obtained by thereceiver320 may be, for example, an LTO file. Such a file may be download from a network, such as the internet for example (viamodem290 andtransceiver300 connecting to the internet for example), to improve the “time to first fix”.
• Alternatively, themodem290 andtransceiver300 may connect thenavigation device200 to theserver302 for download of information such as the LTO file. Thus, upon theprocessor210 determining that the elapsed time is below the minimum QOS level stored inmemory230, a connection between thenavigation device200 and a network may be established to obtain the information. In either event, the LTO file may the be executed to improve the elapsed time in a known manner, from powering on of thenavigation device200, in which to identify the location of thenavigation device200. Thus, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, and thus determining that the established minimum level was not met, a connection may be established between thenavigation device200 and a network to obtain the information
• Implementation of the process shown inFIG. 6 can be done by aprocessor210 of thenavigation device200 in at least one other embodiment of the present application. For example, in at least one embodiment, anavigation device200 can include aprocessor210 to establish a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of anavigation device200 and to determine, upon powering on thenavigation device200, whether or not thenavigation device200 meets the established minimum level; and a receiver322 (part oftransceiver300 for example) to obtain information, to aid thenavigation device200 in meeting the established minimum level, upon theprocessor210 determining that the established minimum level was not met.
• The methods of at least one embodiment expressed above may be implemented as a computer data signal embodied in the carrier wave or propagated signal that represents a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor (such as processor304 ofserver302, and/orprocessor210 ofnavigation device200 for example) causes the processor to perform a respective method. In at least one other embodiment, at least one method provided above may be implemented above as a set of instructions contained on a computer readable or computer accessible medium, such as one of the memory devices previously described, for example, to perform the respective method when executed by a processor or other computer device. In varying embodiments, the medium may be a magnetic medium, electronic medium, optical medium, etc.
• Even further, any of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a program. The program may be stored on a computer readable media and is adapted to perform any one of the aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device including a processor). Thus, the storage medium or computer readable medium, is adapted to store information and is adapted 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 a computer device main body or a removable medium arranged so that it can be separated from the computer device main body. Examples of the built-in medium include, but are not limited to, rewriteable non-volatile memories, such as ROMs and flash memories, and hard disks. Examples of the removable medium include, but are not limited to, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical storage media, such as MOs; magnetism storage media, including but not limited to floppy disks (trademark), cassette tapes, and removable hard disks; media with a built-in rewriteable non-volatile memory, including but not limited to memory cards; and media with a built-in ROM, including but not limited to ROM cassettes; etc. Furthermore, various information regarding stored images, for example, property information, may be stored in any other form, or it may be provided in other ways.
• As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading the disclosure, the electronic components of thenavigation device200 and/or the components of theserver302 can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry or as a computer readable program, or as a combination of both.
• The system and method of embodiments of the present application include software operative on the 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. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand the various programming languages which may be employed to create a software program designed to implement and perform at least one of the methods of the present application.
• The programs can be structured in an object-orientation using an object-oriented language including but not limited to JAVA, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and the programs can be structured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language including but not limited to COBOL, C, etc. The software components can communicate in any number of ways that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to by application of program interfaces (API), interprocess communication techniques, including but not limited to report procedure call (RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM), and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present application 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 ease of user interaction, etc. with anavigation device200.
• Further, 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 appended claims.
• Still further, any one of the above-described and other example features of the present invention may be embodied in the form of an apparatus, method, system, computer program and computer program product. For example, of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a system or device, including, but not limited to, any of the structure for performing the methodology illustrated in the drawings.
• Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious 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 present 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.

Claims (83)

What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:

establishing a time in which to identify a location of a navigation device upon powering on the navigation device;

determining an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and

obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the time is established as a quality of service (QOS) parameter of the navigation device.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, a connection is established between the navigation device and a network to obtain the information.

6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the information is obtained via download of a long term orbit (LTO) file, executable to improve the elapsed time, from powering on of the navigation device, in which to identify the location of the navigation device.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the information is transmitted between the navigation device and the server in an initial start-up sequence with a device type code, as part of a connection between the navigation device and the server.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein upon receipt of a destination location, a long term orbit (LTO) file is placed in a download sequence of the navigation device.

10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the information transmitted is used to further identify at least one of the navigation device, intended vehicle usage for the navigation device and intended vehicle type for the navigation device, and is used to determine quality of service (QOS) settings relating to a quality to cost calculation of the navigation device.

11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the information is used to determine Time to First Fix to network data cost calculation of the navigation device.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the QOS, by category, is used to determine mathematical accuracy and reliability in vehicle time to first fix (TtFF) calculations.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the information transmitted is used to further determine satellite location and reduce TtFF along the route of travel of the vehicle.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein a GPS chipset calculation of the navigation device enables the navigation device to determine and acquire a relatively faster GPS fix using a rules based management system and to request LTO files from server with variation in at least one of LTO file request frequency, LTO file length, and LTO file geographic coverage.

15. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the information transmitted determines a type of the navigation device.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the type is at least one of commercial, consumer, motorcycle, and pedestrian.

17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein usage standards LTO file information is set based on the determined type, and wherein data obtained from navigation device is used to then determine time to first fix (TtFF) behavior and expected Track and Trace availability, with enhanced accuracy and predictive methods due to increased signal availability.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein, once a Network Interface Protocol connection between the navigation device and the server is established, the connection is identified with a type of the navigation device, as part of the Network Interface Protocol.

19. A method, comprising:

establishing a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service (QOS) of a navigation device;

determining, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and

obtaining information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon determining that the established minimum level was not met.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

22. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the quality of service parameter involves time elapsed before determining a position of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device.

23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, and thus determining that the established minimum level was not met, a connection is established between the navigation device and a network to obtain the information.

24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

26. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

27. A navigation device, comprising:

means for establishing a time in which to identify a location of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device;

means for determining an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and

means for obtaining information, to improve the time in which to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon the means for determining determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.

28. The navigation device ofclaim 27, wherein the time is established as a quality of service (QOS) parameter of the navigation device.

29. The navigation device ofclaim 27, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

30. The navigation device ofclaim 29, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

31. The navigation device ofclaim 30, further comprising means for, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, establishing a connection between the navigation device and a network to obtain the information.

32. The navigation device ofclaim 27, wherein the information is obtained via download of a long term orbit (LTO) file, executable to improve the elapsed time, from powering on of the navigation device, in which to identify the location of the navigation device.

33. The navigation device ofclaim 32, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

34. The navigation device ofclaim 27, wherein the information is transmitted between the navigation device and the server in an initial start-up sequence with a device type code, as part of a connection between the navigation device and the server.

35. The navigation device ofclaim 34, wherein upon receipt of a destination location, a long term orbit (LTO) file is placed in a download sequence of the navigation device.

36. The navigation device ofclaim 35, wherein the information transmitted is used to further identify at least one of the navigation device, intended vehicle usage for the navigation device and intended vehicle type for the navigation device, and is used to determine quality of service (QOS) settings relating to a quality to cost calculation of the navigation device.

37. The navigation device ofclaim 36, wherein the information is used to determine Time to First Fix to network data cost calculation of the navigation device.

38. The navigation device ofclaim 37, wherein the QOS, by category, is used to determine mathematical accuracy and reliability in vehicle time to first fix (TtFF) calculations.

39. The navigation device ofclaim 38, wherein the information transmitted is used to further determine satellite location and reduce TtFF along the route of travel of the vehicle.

40. The navigation device ofclaim 39, wherein a GPS chipset calculation of the navigation device enables the navigation device to determine and acquire a relatively faster GPS fix using a rules based management system and to request LTO files from server with variation in at least one of LTO file request frequency, LTO file length, and LTO file geographic coverage.

41. The navigation device ofclaim 37, wherein the information transmitted determines a type of the navigation device.

42. The navigation device ofclaim 41, wherein the type is at least one of commercial, consumer, motorcycle, and pedestrian.

43. The navigation device ofclaim 42, wherein usage standards LTO file information is set based on the determined type, and wherein data obtained from navigation device is used to then determine time to first fix (TtFF) behavior and expected Track and Trace availability, with enhanced accuracy and predictive methods due to increased signal availability.

44. The navigation device ofclaim 43, wherein, once a Network Interface Protocol connection between the navigation device and the server is established, the connection is identified with a type of the navigation device, as part of the Network Interface Protocol.

45. A navigation device, comprising:

means for establishing a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of the navigation device;

means for determining, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and

means for obtaining information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon the means for determining determining that the established minimum level was not met.

46. The navigation device ofclaim 45, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

47. The navigation device ofclaim 46, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

48. The navigation device ofclaim 46, wherein the network is the internet.

49. The navigation device ofclaim 45, wherein the quality of service parameter involves time elapsed before determining a position of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device.

50. The navigation device ofclaim 49, wherein, upon determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, and thus determining that the established minimum level was not met, the means for obtaining establishes a connection between the navigation device and a network to obtain the information.

51. The navigation device ofclaim 50, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

52. The navigation device ofclaim 51, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

53. The navigation device ofclaim 45, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

54. The navigation device ofclaim 50, wherein the means for obtaining includes a modem to establish the connection between the navigation device and the network.

55. A navigation device, comprising:

a processor to establish a time in which to identify a location of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device and to determine an elapsed time, from powering on the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device; and

a receiver to obtain information, to improve the time to identify the location upon powering on of the navigation device, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time.

56. The navigation device ofclaim 55, wherein the time is established as a quality of service (QOS) parameter of the navigation device.

57. The navigation device ofclaim 55, wherein the receiver is further useable to download information from a network.

58. The navigation device ofclaim 57, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

59. The navigation device ofclaim 58, wherein, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, a connection between the navigation device and a network is established to obtain the information.

60. The navigation device ofclaim 55, wherein the information is obtained via download of a long term orbit (LTO) file, executable to improve the elapsed time, from powering on of the navigation device, to identify the location of the navigation device.

61. The navigation device ofclaim 60, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

62. The navigation device ofclaim 59, further comprising a modem to establish the connection between the navigation device and the network.

63. The navigation device ofclaim 55, wherein the information is transmitted between the navigation device and the server in an initial start-up sequence with a device type code, as part of a connection between the navigation device and the server.

64. The navigation device ofclaim 63, wherein upon receipt of a destination location, a long term orbit (LTO) file is placed in a download sequence of the navigation device.

65. The navigation device ofclaim 64, wherein the information transmitted is used to further identify at least one of the navigation device, intended vehicle usage for the navigation device and intended vehicle type for the navigation device, and is used to determine quality of service (QOS) settings relating to a quality to cost calculation of the navigation device.

66. The navigation device ofclaim 65, wherein the information is used to determine Time to First Fix to network data cost calculation of the navigation device.

67. The navigation device ofclaim 66, wherein the QOS, by category, is used to determine mathematical accuracy and reliability in vehicle time to first fix (TtFF) calculations.

68. The navigation device ofclaim 67, wherein the information transmitted is used to further determine satellite location and reduce time to first fix (TtFF) along the route of travel of the vehicle.

69. The navigation device ofclaim 68, wherein a GPS chipset calculation of the navigation device enables the navigation device to determine and acquire a relatively faster GPS fix using a rules based management system and to request LTO files from server with variation in at least one of LTO file request frequency, LTO file length, and LTO file geographic coverage.

70. The navigation device ofclaim 66, wherein the information transmitted determines a type of the navigation device.

71. The navigation device ofclaim 70, wherein the type is at least one of commercial, consumer, motorcycle, and pedestrian.

72. The navigation device ofclaim 71, wherein usage standards LTO file information is set based on the determined type, and wherein data obtained from navigation device is used to then determine TtFF behavior and expected Track and Trace availability, with enhanced accuracy and predictive methods due to increased signal availability.

73. The navigation device ofclaim 72, wherein, once a Network Interface Protocol connection between the navigation device and the server is established, the connection is identified with a type of the navigation device, as part of the Network Interface Protocol.

74. A navigation device, comprising:

a processor to establish a minimum level for a parameter of quality of service of a navigation device and to determine, upon powering on the navigation device, whether or not the navigation device meets the established minimum level; and

a receiver to obtain information, to aid the navigation device in meeting the established minimum level, upon the processor determining that the established minimum level was not met.

75. The navigation device ofclaim 74, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

76. The navigation device ofclaim 75, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

77. The navigation device ofclaim 75, wherein the network is the internet.

78. The navigation device ofclaim 74, wherein the quality of service parameter involves time elapsed before determining a position of the navigation device upon powering on the navigation device.

79. The navigation device ofclaim 78, wherein, upon the processor determining that the elapsed time is below the established time, and thus determining that the established minimum level was not met, a connection is established between the navigation device and a network to obtain the information.

80. The navigation device ofclaim 79, wherein the obtaining of information includes downloading of information from a network.

81. The navigation device ofclaim 80, wherein the downloading of information includes downloading a long term orbit (LTO) file.

82. The navigation device ofclaim 74, wherein the establishing includes setting a code inside the navigation device.

83. The navigation device ofclaim 79, further comprising a modem to establish the connection between the navigation device and the network.

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