Abstract: Methods for inputting a destination in a navigation system by manually controlling an actuating device are provided. In an example method, at least the following menu items can be selected when the actuating device is actuated using a first motion type: a CHARACTER menu item provides a list of characters when selected, and a DIGIT menu item that provides a list of digits when selected. The first motion type may be used to actuate the actuating device to select one of the other non-selected menu items.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system having handlebar mounted controls that permit an operator to control the audio system utilizing finger controls mounted on the handlebars.

Abstract: A database system includes a processor configured to receive broadcasts according to a plurality of broadcast formats. The processor determines broadcast information associated with each received broadcast. The processor stores a database entry for each received broadcast within a database stored in the memory. Each database entry is indicative of the broadcast information associated the received broadcast. The processor continuously populates the database with broadcast information associated with received broadcasts. The database is user-accessible, allowing database entries to be viewed and altered. Ratings for various broadcast information are user-provided allowing preferred broadcast content to be user-designated based on the broadcast information. The ratings are used to notify a user of preferred broadcast content being broadcast according to at least one of the broadcast formats allowing the user to select receipt of the preferred broadcast content while available.

Abstract: An apparatus may generate a text entry with a user interface. The apparatus may include a display, a user input device, a memory and a processor. The apparatus may display single character user input controls and multi-character user input controls on the display. Each of the single character user input controls and the multi-character user input controls may be buttons selectable with the user input device. A single character user input control may correspond to a single character and a multi-character user input control may correspond to a group of characters. The apparatus may display one of the multi-character user input controls in a display region and other user input controls outside of the display region. If the multi-character user input control is selected, the apparatus may replace the multi-character user input control with a second set of single character user input controls in an expanded display region.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system having handlebar mounted controls that permit an operator to control the audio system utilizing finger controls mounted on the handlebars.

Abstract: A database system includes a processor configured to receive broadcasts according to a plurality of broadcast formats. The processor determines broadcast information associated with each received broadcast. The processor stores a database entry for each received broadcast within a database stored in the memory. Each database entry is indicative of the broadcast information associated the received broadcast. The processor continuously populates the database with broadcast information associated with received broadcasts. The database is user-accessible, allowing database entries to be viewed and altered. Ratings for various broadcast information are user-provided allowing preferred broadcast content to be user-designated based on the broadcast information. The ratings are used to notify a user of preferred broadcast content being broadcast according to at least one of the broadcast formats allowing the user to select receipt of the preferred broadcast content while available.

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: An apparatus may generate a text entry with a user interface. The apparatus may include a display, a user input device, a memory and a processor. The apparatus may display single character user input controls and multi-character user input controls on the display. Each of the single character user input controls and the multi-character user input controls may be buttons selectable with the user input device. A single character user input control may correspond to a single character and a multi-character user input control may correspond to a group of characters. The apparatus may display one of the multi-character user input controls in a display region and other user input controls outside of the display region. If the multi-character user input control is selected, the apparatus may replace the multi-character user input control with a second set of single character user input controls in an expanded display region.

Abstract: Methods for inputting a destination in a navigation system by manually controlling an actuating device are provided. In an example method, at least the following menu items can be selected when the actuating device is actuated using a first motion type: a CHARACTER menu item provides a list of characters when selected, and a DIGIT menu item that provides a list of digits when selected. The first motion type may be used to actuate the actuating device to select one of the other non-selected menu items.

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 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 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 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 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.