Abstract: A method of selectively providing cartographic features on a video display of a navigation system for improved rendering is provided. The method includes the steps of determining an operational mode of the navigation system, selecting a desired cartographic entity for a cartographic feature based upon the operational mode, and displaying the desired cartographic entity on the video display. For example, less detailed cartographic entities are selected for display when the navigation system is in an operational mode that requires the video display to be updated frequently ore a mode in which it is desirable to focus the user's attention on a different cartographic entity. The less detailed cartographic entity may have a lower intensity than or contrast less with surrounding cartographic entities. In this manner, the user may be provided the desired level of map details with the video display regenerated rapidly.

Abstract: A navigation system that uses a method for transmitting the location of a vehicle to a location remote from the vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a location of the vehicle relative to a road network defined as a first location, and determining a change in the location of the vehicle relative to the road network defined as a second location. The first location may be a first street while the second location is a second street different that the first street. The navigation system then communicates the location of the vehicle to the remote location when vehicle reaches the second location. In another aspect of the present invention, the method includes determining a location of the vehicle relative to a road network defined as a first location. A new location of the vehicle is determined relative to the road network and is defined as a second location.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a vehicle displacement sensor comprising a wireless transmitter generating a signal indicating rotational displacement of a vehicle component. A complementary wireless transmitter receives the signal from the transmitter. A computer calculates vehicle speed or displacement based upon the rotational speed or displacement of the vehicle component. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is secured to a wheel of the vehicle and generates an RF signal upon each revolution of the wheel.

Abstract: A navigation system that includes a graphic user interface displaying a plurality of icons. An icon selectively activated by a user input device is enlarged, animated, and includes a text flag indicating what the icon represents. Some of the icons are associated with a plurality of potential destinations for the navigation system. The icons are animated by displaying a plurality of frames sequentially. The first frame is a base frame full bit map which includes information for displaying all of the pixels of the icon. The second frame is displayed by changing only the pixels which are different between the first frame and the second frame based upon a transition file which only includes information for the pixels to be changed. A second transition file indicates the pixels to be changed between the second frame and the third frame, and so on. For icons with many potential frames, more than one base frame may be provided, so that any state can be reached more quickly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of utilizing waypoints for a vehicle is provided. A first waypoint relating to a first vehicle position is added to a second waypoint relating to a second vehicle position. The waypoints are saved as a route. Waypoint information relating to the waypoints and route information relating to the route may be manipulated. The method also includes displaying at least a portion of the route on a display screen and indicating a desired direction of vehicle travel from a current vehicle location to one of the waypoints. According to the present invention, the drive may be alerted when the vehicle has come within a particular distance of the waypoint or if the vehicle has veered from the route by a particular distance.

Abstract: A navigation system includes an operator interface module (OIM) including a display and keypad. A computer module (computer module) includes a CPU, map database and the motion and position sensors. A docking station is fixedly mounted in each of a plurality of vehicles. The docking station includes an electrical connector connected to the vehicle power supply and an electrical connector connected to a GPS antenna and an electrical connector connected to a display extension harness. The computer module and OIM are transportable among each of the vehicles. The computer module slides into the docking station and simultaneously makes electrical contact with the vehicle power supply, GPS antenna and display extension harness. The OIM is connected to the display extension harness, thereby connecting the OIM to the computer module. The OIM and computer module are thus transportable among multiple vehicles having the appropriate docking station.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting the position of a vehicle to a remote location, the LOCUS position of the vehicle is calculated at the vehicle relative to a map database. The vehicle navigation system calculates its LOCUS position relative to the map database using map matching prior to sending that calculated position to the remote location. The LOCUS position of the vehicle is then transmitted to the remote location relative to the road network in the map database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for a graphical user interface for a navigation system. The graphical user interface includes a display having several groups of symbols with each group arranged in a unique pre-determined direction relative to a start position. A user manipulatable directional input device permits a user to select any one of the groups with a single keystroke. Once a group has been selected, the directional input device permits a user to activate any one of the symbols within a group with a single keystroke. An activated symbol can be selected with one keystroke by the user. Selection of a symbol then re-activates the start position.

Abstract: A navigation system switches to a different operational mode based upon a figure of merit determination of the current position solution by the navigation system relative to the map database. If the vehicle navigation system is guiding a driver along a recommended route, and the figure of merit drops below a first predetermined threshold, the navigation system disables an automatic route recalculation routine. If the figure of merit drops below a second predetermined threshold while the vehicle is in route guidance mode, the navigation system displays a textual display of the turn-by-turn instructions along the recommended route to the destination. If the vehicle navigation system is not in a route guidance mode and the figure of merit drops below a third predetermined threshold, the navigation system displays a map of the area surrounding the last current position solution, without displaying the current position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an orthogonal sensor suite includes the steps of imparting on the sensor suite a series of known accelerations at orientations known relative to each other, while recording readings from the sensors from each acceleration at each orientation. This data is used to create a transformation matrix which removes offsets from each sensor and removes any cross-coupling of the sensors.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a display which provides a 3-D perspective view. The angle of viewing in the perspective view is increased based upon the complexity of the intersection being displayed. Intersections of increased complexity are displayed at an increased viewing angle to facilitate understanding. A sky above a horizon on the display changes color based upon the time of day.

Abstract: A navigation system is used to assist a user in proceeding from a current location to a desired destination. The navigation system includes a processor for storing a database of roads and a system for determining the current position of a vehicle in relation to the database. A user can select a desired destination in the database by using an input device which sends the selection to the processor. The navigation system determines a route to the selected destination. An output device displays the route and the vehicle's current position by automatically scaling the display to include the route and the current position.

Abstract: A vehicle assistance request system includes a device and methodology for preventing inadvertent or mistaken assistance request calls. The system enables a vehicle driver to request roadside assistance with a single push of a button on a user interface module inside the vehicle or a remote, portable key fob. The data communication signal that is generated when the button is pushed communicates location information and the type of assistance that is needed to a dispatcher of the appropriate services. The system includes a timer function that requires that a user press a request button for a minimum time period before a request is initiated. Also provided is a protective shield, which further ensures that a request button is not pushed inadvertently.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a multi-axis accelerometer which can be installed in the vehicle in any unknown orientation. The orientation of the axes of the accelerometer is automatically determined by the navigation system. The signals from the accelerometer are then used to propagate the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system provides a zoomed maneuver instruction view which displays a magnified view of the upcoming maneuver. Display of the zoomed maneuver instruction view is preferably related to the complexity of the road segments adjacent the upcoming maneuver. In one embodiment, the zoomed maneuver instruction view is displayed if more than N numbers of shape points are within a predetermined distance along the recommended route. In another embodiment, the zoomed maneuver instruction view is displayed if the recommended route includes an upcoming complex maneuver adjacent a road segment with more than N number of shape points. Preferably, the CPU will continue to magnify the complex maneuver in the zoomed maneuver instruction view as the vehicle and associated vehicle icon progresses through the complex maneuver.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a map database and at least one inertial sensor. When the vehicle encounters a problem road condition, such as a pothole, the problem road condition induces acceleration in the inertial sensor. The navigation system identifies the occurrence of a problem road condition by monitoring the signals generated by the inertial sensor. The navigation system then stores the occurrence and location of the problem road condition. This data can be used later to identify, locate and repair problem road conditions.

Abstract: A navigation system displays a recommended route on a map display of road segments with a plurality of arrows arranged on the recommended route toward the destination. The recommended route is highlighted in a color different from other road segments on the map display and arrows of yet another color are also displayed along the recommended route oriented toward the destination.

Abstract: A navigation system calculates a first route to a first destination. If the navigation system determines while en route that a second route would result in a significant time saving, the navigation system selects a point along the first route between the current vehicle location and the first destination as a new “origin” for the second route. The navigation system guides the user to the intermediate point along the first route. The navigation system then guides the user from the intermediate point along the second route. The second route can be an alternate route to the same destination or an alternate route to a second destination.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system provides a complex maneuver instruction view which displays multiple maneuver instructions concatenated together. If a relative distance between two of upcoming maneuvers is less than a predetermined distance, and no intervening roads fall within the predetermined distance the complex maneuver instruction view is displayed. As the user completes the first maneuver instruction, the maneuver instruction disappears and only the second maneuver instruction is displayed. In another disclosed embodiment, the navigation system displays a maneuver sequence notation adjacent each maneuver instruction along a recommended route to provide the user with a frame of reference as the user proceeds along a recommended route.

Abstract: A navigation system includes an operator interface module (“OIM”) which includes the user input devices, such as a keypad, and output devices, such as a display and audio speaker. The navigation system further includes a computer module which includes a CPU, mass storage (such as a hard drive), accelerometers and GPS receiver. In a method according to the present invention, the OIM displays a “select user” screen during navigation system power-up. The select user screen displays a plurality of user icons, each associated with a particular set of user definable settings. Upon selection of the particular user icon, the navigation system is configured according to the user definable navigation system settings.