Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit (204) and an output unit (206). The processing resource (202) is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module (268) is provided and supported by the execution environment. The apparatus (200) also comprises a communications unit (166, 168) operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module (268) is arranged to generate (410) a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit (166, 168), the enquiry module (268) also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit (204) and an output unit (206). The processing resource (202) is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module (268) is provided and supported by the execution environment. The apparatus (200) also comprises a communications unit (166, 168) operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module (268) is arranged to generate (410) a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit (166, 168), the enquiry module (268) also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit (204) and an output unit (206). The processing resource (202) is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module (268) is provided and supported by the execution environment. The apparatus (200) also comprises a communications unit (166, 168) operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module (268) is arranged to generate (410) a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit (166, 168), the enquiry module (268) also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining a route between two locations in a navigation device by calculating the cost of paths between the two locations using a cost function. The cost function applies different weighting factors for the same type of attribute to line segments when the line segments are located in different areas of a map. As such, when the cost of a path is being assessed, the same type of attribute may be associated with different levels of penalty or bonus in different areas. This means that the route determined is less likely to avoid line segments that have a certain negative attribute in areas where the attribute has a less adverse affect.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit (204) and an output unit (206). The processing resource (202) is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module (268) is provided and supported by the execution environment. The apparatus (200) also comprises a communications unit (166, 168) operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module (268) is arranged to generate (410) a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit (166, 168), the enquiry module (268) also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus includes a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit and an output unit. The processing resource is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module is provided and supported by the execution environment. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a communications unit operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module is arranged to generate a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit, the enquiry module also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus includes a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit and an output unit. The processing resource is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module is provided and supported by the execution environment. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a communications unit operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module is arranged to generate a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit, the enquiry module also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.

Abstract: A method of operating a PND or navigation system is described, together with a PND or navigation system for performing such a method. The PND or navigation system includes memory storing map data consisting of base map data files and supplemental corrective data files. In at least one embodiment, the method includes correlating the current location with the map data, and in the event that the current location and derived map data are seemingly at odds with one another, performing at least one secondary action. In at least one embodiment, the secondary action may be the issuing of an approve/reject prompt to the user, or the automatic creation, modification or deletion of a new or pre-existing correction. In a further aspect, at least one embodiment of the invention also provides for a PND or navigation system storing an indication of a home location, and prompting a user to visit nearby locations for which corrections exist, followed by prompted or automatic confirmation or rejection thereof.

Abstract: A data enrichment processing apparatus (100) comprises a processing resource (154) arranged to access, when in use, location data (300) having temporal data associated therewith, and to group a part of the location data according to a predetermined criterion. The processing resource (154) is arranged to support an analysis module (268) capable of inferring temporal access information from the part of the location data grouped, the temporal access information being indicative of ability to access physically a point of interest associated with the part of the location data grouped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining a route between two locations in a navigation device by calculating the cost of paths between the two locations using a cost function. The cost function applies different weighting factors for the same type of attribute to line segments when the line segments are located in different areas of a map. As such, when the cost of a path is being assessed, the same type of attribute may be associated with different levels of penalty or bonus in different areas. This means that the route determined is less likely to avoid line segments that have a certain negative attribute in areas where the attribute has a less adverse affect.

Abstract: A predetermined geographic region is associated with a building offering goods or services. The region has a shape and size chosen depending upon the type and/or location of the building to define a region of relevance of the building. Probe data is used to identify probe devices which enter the region, and to include the devices in a database. The database is provided to someone wishing to promote the services or goods provided by the building to enable promotional material to be sent to users associated with the devices. As the devices were found in the predetermined region, the users are considered to be potential local users of the building.

Abstract: A method of correcting map data stored on a portable navigation device or navigation system is described, together with an appropriately enabled device or navigation system. A computer program enabling the method is also described. The method includes the steps of displaying map data on a PND or navigation system during a navigation or free-driving mode, and is characterized in that at least one of a plurality of user-selectable graphical indicators is displayed together with said map data adjacent or overlaid on the particular thoroughfare along which the device is currently traveling, the indicator graphically representing a travel restriction pertinent to one of either the current thoroughfare or a subsequent thoroughfare occurring after a thoroughfare intersection towards which the current thoroughfare leads.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for conveying information relationships. In one embodiment, the method includes prompting, in a navigation device, at least one of input and selection of a travel destination and a desired arrival time at the travel destination; calculating an arrival time during travel to the travel destination; and outputting via the navigation device, during travel to the travel destination, an indication of a relationship between the desired arrival time and the calculated arrival time. In another embodiment, the method includes inputting a travel destination on a navigation device; determining a travel route to the input travel destination; calculating a speed in a navigation device during travel to the travel destination along the determined route; and outputting, via the navigation device, an indication of a relationship between a permitted speed and the calculated speed.

Abstract: A method and a navigation device are disclosed for sharing at least one location message with at least one other device. The navigation device includes a receiver to determine a signal strength of a traffic message channel at a location, a memory to store information representing the signal strength of a traffic message channel, and at least one processor to correlate the information stored in memory to compile a traffic message channel resource and select a traffic message channel based on the traffic message channel resource and a location associated with a navigation device. The method includes determining a signal strength of a traffic message channel at a location, storing information representing the signal strength of a traffic message channel, correlating the information stored in memory to compile a traffic message channel resource, and selecting a traffic message channel based on the traffic message channel resource and a location associated with a navigation device.

Abstract: A data enrichment processing apparatus (100) comprises a processing resource (154) arranged to access, when in use, location data (300) having temporal data associated therewith, and to group a part of the location data according to a predetermined criterion. The processing resource (154) is arranged to support an analysis module (268) capable of inferring temporal access information from the part of the location data grouped, the temporal access information being indicative of ability to access physically a point of interest associated with the part of the location data grouped.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a processing resource that is operably coupled to a data store including digital map data. A location determination unit is also provided and capable of determining a location. In at least one embodiment, the navigation apparatus receives information from at least a vehicle: steering sensor for sensing an angular position of the vehicle steering control. Information relating to the sensed parameters is logged by the navigation apparatus while driving. Upon subsequent uploading of the information to a server, the information is analysed statistically, and combined with similar information obtained from other navigation devices. The statistical analysis enables supplementary road information to be derived, such as road lane width; Such supplementary road information is added to the digital map to facilitate greater safety awareness and route planning.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes an input device for receiving time data representative of a user return time by when a user is to return to a parked vehicle, and a processor configured to monitor the time remaining until the user return time and to provide an alarm signal in dependence on the time remaining.

Abstract: A method and a navigation device are disclosed for sharing at least one location message with at least one other device. The navigation device includes a receiver to receive multiple traffic message channels, an input device to receive a user input indicating a frequency, and a processor to select a traffic message channel based on a signal strength, starting with the indicated frequency. The method includes receiving multiple traffic message channels, receiving a user input indicating a frequency, and a selecting a traffic message channel based on a planned route, starting with the indicated frequency.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for conveying information relationships. In one embodiment, the method includes prompting, in a navigation device, at least one of input and selection of a travel destination and a desired arrival time at the travel destination; calculating an arrival time during travel to the travel destination; and outputting via the navigation device, during travel to the travel destination, an indication of a relationship between the desired arrival time and the calculated arrival time. In another embodiment, the method includes inputting a travel destination on a navigation device; determining a travel route to the input travel destination; calculating a speed in a navigation device during travel to the travel destination along the determined route; and outputting, via the navigation device, an indication of a relationship between a permitted speed and the calculated speed.

Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus includes a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit and an output unit. The processing resource is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module is provided and supported by the execution environment. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a communications unit operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module is arranged to generate a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit, the enquiry module also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.