Abstract: A portable navigation device (PND) having software adapted to establish a wireless communication with a third party device having a corresponding wireless signal transceiver and which forms one of a plurality of nodes of a vehicle controller area network (CAN). The PND software includes one or more routines specific to the functionality of one or more of said nodes so as to effectively communicate with said node and utilize its functionality. The invention allows the PND, for example, to interrogate the controller area network and retrieve information from one or more nodes on the network for display on the PND or for improved operation thereof, or to cause control or state change of one or more of the nodes.

Abstract: A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with a connector by means of which said PND can be physically connected to third party devices or systems.

Abstract: A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with a connector by means of which said PND can be physically connected to third party devices or systems.

Abstract: A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with one or more wireless signal transceivers capable of establishing wireless communications with third party devices or systems having corresponding signal transceivers.