Patents Assigned to Garmin Ltd.
  • Patent number: 7667641
    Abstract: A navigation system (10) comprising a portable navigational device (12) and a remote control for remotely controlling the navigational device (12) is provided in a first preferred embodiment. The navigational device (12) is sized and configured to mount on a dashboard or in an overhead console of a vehicle. A second preferred embodiment provides a navigational device (212) substantially similar to the navigational device (12) of the first preferred embodiment and further including an internal hard drive (84) and a heating element (86) associated with the hard drive (84) and operable to warm the hard drive (84) for facilitating operating performance of the hard drive (84) in cold temperatures. A third preferred embodiment provides a navigation system (310) including a navigational device (312) substantially similar to the navigational device (212) of the second preferred embodiment and a remote control (314) substantially similar to the remote control (14) of the first preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian N. Poindexter, Scott J. Brunk, Seth A. Forshee
  • Patent number: 7668654
    Abstract: A navigation device is provided that includes a GPS input that receives GPS information from a GPS satellite. The system also includes a non-GPS input that receives real-time content from a non-GPS source. The real-time content includes updates to travel conditions. The system also includes a navigation module that analyzes the updates from the non-GPS source in conjunction with the GPS information form the GPS satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Clifton A. Pemble, Michael R. Wiegers
  • Patent number: 7662064
    Abstract: A personal training device (10) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing (10); an attachment mechanism (30); a GPS component (40); a user interface (50), including an input portion (52) and an output portion (54); a processor (60), including a timer (62) and a memory element (64); a data interface (70), including an input portion (72) and an output portion (74); an audio component (80); and a power supply (90). The device (10) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd
    Inventors: Wai C. Lee, Tracy L. Oliver, Ryan T. Moore, Claudette D. Fisher, David J. Downey, John H. Lovitt, Scott J. Brunk
  • Publication number: 20100026688
    Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Karstens, Brian K. Feller, Jon Josephson
  • Patent number: 7650230
    Abstract: A navigation assembly (177k) for mounting a conventional, portable navigational device (10k) in a vehicle not originally equipped with navigational capabilities is provided. The navigation assembly (177k) comprises the navigational device (10k) and a mounting assembly (194k). Trim (196k) covering a support pillar (98k) of the vehicle and installed during manufacture of the vehicle is replaced with substantially similar trim (196k) having the mounting assembly (194k) mounted thereto or integrally formed therewith. The mounting assembly (194k) comprises a base (198k), a docking station (200k), and a retractable face plate (202k). The base (198k) of the mounting assembly (194k) is secured to the trim (196k) and includes a cut-out (204k) in which the docking station (200k) may be mounted. The docking station (200k) also includes a cut-out (208k) sized and configured to receive the navigational device (10k).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: David J. Laverick, Brian G. Schoenfish
  • Publication number: 20100010730
    Abstract: A device and method for providing traffic information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to identify an upcoming traffic event expected to be first encountered by the device and select an icon corresponding to the identified category. The display is operable to present an indication of the selected icon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Rozum, Scott J. Brunk
  • Publication number: 20100009811
    Abstract: A personal training device (10) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing (10); an attachment mechanism (30); a GPS component (40); a user interface (50), including an input portion (52) and an output portion (54); a processor (60), including a timer (62) and a memory element (64); a data interface (70), including an input portion (72) and an output portion (74); an audio component (80); and a power supply (90). The device (10) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: Wai C. Lee, Tracy L. Olivier, Ryan T. Moore, Claudette D. Fisher, David J. Downey, John H. Lovitt, Scott J. Brunk
  • Publication number: 20090315127
    Abstract: A system for improving the performance of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device that is housed in a package and implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises a footprint, an isolation channel, and a bridge. A portion of the isolation channel is removed to mechanically isolate the MEMS device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kulach, Paul R. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20090295596
    Abstract: A watch device for use by a swimmer while swimming in a body of water. The watch device may generally comprise a housing, a location determining component disposed within the housing and operable to receive one or more satellite signals to determine a current geographic location of the housing, and a processing system. The processing system may synchronize the location determining component with the swimmer's arm movement so that the location determining component can determine the current geographic location of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: David J. Downey, Kristin M. Massoth
  • Publication number: 20090298605
    Abstract: A method and electronic device for analyzing golf swings associates actual ball flight data with sensed swing characteristics. The electronic device includes a location-determining component; a sensor; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld or wearable enclosure. The computing device may associate the ball flight data with the swing characteristic data by storing the data together in memory, linking the data in memory, displaying representations of the data together, or by any other method. The computing device may also create a reference profile for a golfer based on ball flight data and sensed swing characteristics for a plurality of golf swings and may associate swing characteristics with particular golf clubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventor: Michael R. Wiegers
  • Patent number: 7623962
    Abstract: A navigation device with improved detour routing is disclosed. The navigation device is generally operable to calculate a first route to a destination utilizing a current location of the navigation device, receive a detour request from a user provided by the user functioning a single detour input once, and calculate a second detour route to the destination in response to the detour request. Such a configuration enables the user to easily and safely request additional route calculations to provide a detour around undesirable travel conditions without requiring extensive user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott T. Moore, Ryan T. Moore, Thomas I. Loschen
  • Patent number: 7623958
    Abstract: A navigation assembly (177i) comprising a carrying case (178i), a cradle (179i), a navigational device (10i), and a speaker (57i) is provided. The carrying case (178i) is sized and configured to fit within a tray (14i) of a vehicle, wherein the tray (14i) was formed during manufacture of the vehicle and designed to hold miscellaneous articles. The cradle (179i) is pivotably mounted within the case (178i) and is sized and configured to receive the navigational device (10i). The cradle (179i) and navigational device (10i) are operable to pivot from a flat, nested position within the case (178i) upwards to a viewing position approximately perpendicular to the flat, nested position. A navigation assembly (177j) comprising a cradle (179j), a navigational device (10j), and a lid (184j) is also provided. The cradle (179j) is pivotably mounted within a tray (14j) of a vehicle, where the tray (14j) was formed during manufacture of the vehicle and designed to hold miscellaneous articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: David J. Laverick, Brian G. Schoenfish
  • Publication number: 20090287405
    Abstract: Techniques are described for traffic data quality. In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including functionality to determine position. The device may use determined position to ascertain geographic locations as collection points where traffic related data may be collected. In at least some embodiments, traffic data quality techniques combining both device side and server side technique are applied to data collected at the collections points. In an embodiment, communication of collected data by the device may be delayed to enable additional observations of vehicle movement, routing, position, and so forth. The additional observations during the delay enable the device to determine the validity of the collected data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: Kungwel Liu, Susan S. Chen, Merlin J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090287402
    Abstract: Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: GARMIN LTD.
    Inventors: Kungwel Liu, Susan S. Chen, Merlin J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7613566
    Abstract: A navigation device with improved zoom functions is disclosed. The navigation device is generally operable to display a map with varying magnifications and perspectives to enable a user to increase or decrease magnification and perspective without creating a substantial and immediate change in perspective. Such a configuration reduces user confusion due to the elimination of substantial changes in perspective during magnification and demagnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Bolton
  • Publication number: 20090271109
    Abstract: A portable navigation device operable to present a plurality of operating modes. The device may include a display; a location determining component operable to determine a current geographic location of the navigation device; mount detection circuitry operable to determine a mounting status of the navigation device; and a processor coupled with the location determining component, the mount detection circuitry, and the display. The processor is operable to select one of a plurality of operating modes based on the determined mounting status and present information specific to the selected operating modes on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Choy Wai Lee, Karen J. Jantz, David C. Zahorsky, Mark D. Tompkins, Ryan T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7610148
    Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for interfacing to navigation operations. An application programming interface (API) library is provided having navigation modules, guidance modules, routing modules, and mapping modules. The API is accessible to customized modules operating on a portable electronic device. The customized modules are operable to selectively access and process a number of the modules using the API library while the customized modules are processing on the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble
  • Patent number: 7609172
    Abstract: A device and method for filtering traffic information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to receive traffic data corresponding to a plurality of traffic events. The computing device is operable to filter the received traffic data based on the severity of the traffic events to form filtered traffic data and the display is operable to present an indication of the filtered data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Rozum, Scott J. Brunk
  • Patent number: 7602302
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tracking apparatus (100) and method that are operable to efficiently track an animal. The tracking apparatus (100) is operable to be worn by an animal, determine its current geographic location, and transmit information relating to its current geographic location to an external device such as a portable navigation unit (200). The navigation unit (200) is operable to display a representation of the geographic location of the tracking apparatus (100) for consideration by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Bronson D. Hokuf, Henry J. Straub, James R. Kummer
  • Patent number: D608669
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Warren R. Stevens, Gregory W. Johnson, Juhee Lee, Joshua C. Reeson