Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a route taken by a user at a decision point in a navigable network in an area covered by an electronic map. The map comprises a plurality of segments representing navigable segments of the navigable network in the area covered by the electronic map. A user is travelling along a main route from an origin to a destination. An upcoming decision point is identified, and one or more alternative routes between the decision point and the destination generated. Data indicative of each route is stored in a route pool, associated with data indicative of the outgoing segment at the decision point that forms part of the route. Each route passes along a different outgoing segment, and which segments are all different to an outgoing segment included in a continuation of the main route. When the user has passed through the decision point, it is determined whether the current position of the user lies on the outgoing segment forming the continuation of the main route.

Abstract: There is provided a method for obtaining information regarding the location of a device (200) with respect to one or more predefined zone(s) (201, 202, 203) within a geographic region within which the device (200) is traveling. The method comprises obtaining a current location of the device and determining using the current location a current status of the device indicating which, if any, of the predefined zone(s) the device is currently located within. At the same time, an estimate can be made of a time interval for which the status of the device is not expected to change, and for which time interval it is therefore unnecessary to check for further updates to the status of the device. Also disclosed is a system, optionally a server, for implementing such a method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating routes in an area covered by an electronic map. The map comprises a plurality of segments representing navigable segments of a navigable network in the area covered by the electronic map. A main route from an origin to a destination is generated through the network in a manner which favors segments which are segments of a predefined sub-network. When the user commences travel, the method involves identifying a first decision point along the main route being travelled that is a decision point of the sub-network. An alternative route is generated between the decision point and the destination, in a method involving favoring segments of the sub-network, and in which the outgoing segment of the main route being travelled to the first decision point is blocked.

Abstract: A vehicle request management system having a server 10 arranged to communicate with a plurality of vehicle requesting devices 12 and a plurality of vehicles 14, each being equipped with a device 200 having route planning and navigation functionality. Upon receipt of a vehicle request, the server 10 selects a suitable vehicle 14 and determines the route that the vehicle should travel to the pick-up location and then onto the drop-off location. The server 10 receives updates as to the position of the selected vehicle 14 as it completes the request, and uses data associated with the calculated route and the position of the selected vehicle 14 to provide enhanced functionality.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating routes in an area covered by an electronic map. The map comprises a plurality of segments representing navigable segments of a navigable network in the area covered by the electronic map. A main route from an origin to a destination is generated through the network in a manner which favours segments which are segments of a predefined sub-network. When the user commences travel, the method involves identifying a first decision point along the main route being travelled that is a decision point of the sub-network. An alternative route is generated between the decision point and the destination, in a method involving favouring segments of the sub-network, and in which the outgoing segment of the main route being travelled to the first decision point is blocked.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a route taken by a user at a decision point in a navigable network in an area covered by an electronic map. The map comprises a plurality of segments representing navigable segments of the navigable network in the area covered by the electronic map. A user is travelling along a main route from an origin to a destination. An upcoming decision point is identified, and one or more alternative routes between the decision point and the destination generated. Data indicative of each route is stored in a route pool, associated with data indicative of the outgoing segment at the decision point that forms part of the route. Each route passes along a different outgoing segment, and which segments are all different to an outgoing segment included in a continuation of the main route. When the user has passed through the decision point, it is determined whether the current position of the user lies on the outgoing segment forming the continuation of the main route.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) that is configured to generate a navigation map of a local environment (497); and a display (240) controllable by said processor (200) to display said navigation map and any markers (489) that relate to marked locations within said local environment (497); characterized in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: an indicator generation module (490) for generating an indicator (491) for each of any marked locations outside of said local environment, said processor (210) being responsive to said indicator generation module (490) to control said display (240) to display any generated indicators (491) in said navigation map (497). A method of generating a navigation map and a computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of temporarily associating a first mobile device 22 with a second mobile device 200, by processing positional data relating to the position and movement of a plurality of mobile devices with respect to time in a geographical region. The positional data is process to determine if a first mobile device 22, such as one carried by a user, is moving concurrently with a second mobile device 200, such as one associated with a vehicle 14, along substantially the same travel path. When such a determination is made, a temporary association is created between the first mobile device 22 and the second mobile device 200, e.g. at a server 10 to allow for data to be exchanged between the two devices.

Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed wherein, in at least one embodiment. navigation instruction are adapted to the driver preferences. The driving behavior of the driver is recorded (like speed, time to prepare for an exit etc.), and the way he responds to navigation instructions (promptly, or always too late for example). Traffic, weather and time information may be combined with information on the driving behavior of the driver. This information is examined and used to build up a driver profile. This driver profile is used to adapt future navigation instructions. Alternatively, traffic and weather information may be used to build up route and/or environmental profiles. These profiles can also be used separate from the driver profile to adjust the navigation instruction. The combination of these two techniques, building up a profile (or adapt a pre-defined profile) and adapt the navigation instructions, makes the navigation device a more personal-fit navigation aid.

Abstract: A vehicle request management system having a server 10 arranged to communicate with a plurality of vehicle requesting devices 12 and a plurality of vehicles 14, each being equipped with a device 200 having route planning and navigation functionality. Upon receipt of a vehicle request, the server 10 selects a suitable vehicle 14 and determines the route that the vehicle should travel to the pick-up location and then onto the drop-off location. The server 10 receives updates as to the position of the selected vehicle 14 as it completes the request, and uses data associated with the calculated route and the position of the selected vehicle 14 to provide enhanced functionality.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) that is configured to generate a navigation map of a local environment (497); and a display (240) controllable by said processor (200) to display said navigation map and any markers (489) that relate to marked locations within said local environment (497); characterised in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: an indicator generation module (490) for generating an indicator (491) for each of any marked locations outside of said local environment, said processor (210) being responsive to said indicator generation module (490) to control said display (240) to display any generated indicators (491) in said navigation map (497). A method of generating a navigation map and a computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) that is configured to generate a navigation map of a local environment (497); and a display (240) controllable by said processor (200) to display said navigation map and any markers (489) that relate to marked locations within said local environment (497); characterized in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: an indicator generation module (490) for generating an indicator (491) for each of any marked locations outside of said local environment, said processor (210) being responsive to said indicator generation module (490) to control said display (240) to display any generated indicators (491) in said navigation map (497). A method of generating a navigation map and a computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of temporarily associating a first mobile device 22 with a second mobile device 200, by processing positional data relating to the position and movement of a plurality of mobile devices with respect to time in a geographical region. The positional data is process to determine if a first mobile device 22, such as one carried by a user, is moving concurrently with a second mobile device 200, such as one associated with a vehicle 14, along substantially the same travel path. When such a determination is made, a temporary association is created between the first mobile device 22 and the second mobile device 200, e.g. at a server 10 to allow for data to be exchanged between the two devices.

Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed wherein, in at least one embodiment. navigation instruction are adapted to the driver preferences. The driving behaviour of the driver is recorded (like speed, time to prepare for an exit etc.), and the way he responds to navigation instructions (promptly, or always too late for example). Traffic, weather and time information may be combined with information on the driving behaviour of the driver. This information is examined and used to build up a driver profile. This driver profile is used to adapt future navigation instructions. Alternatively, traffic and weather information may be used to build up route and/or environmental profiles. These profiles can also be used separate from the driver profile to adjust the navigation instruction. The combination of these two techniques, building up a profile (or adapt a pre-defined profile) and adapt the navigation instructions, makes the navigation device a more personal-fit navigation aid.

Abstract: A navigation device is disclosed including a processor arranged to receive position information from a positioning device. The processor is also arranged to receive movement information from a movement detector and determine whether said device is standing still using said movement information. In at least one embodiment, if a standstill of the device is determined, the processor calculates an average position over time using information on consecutive positions received from the positioning system during a time period in which the device is standing still. The average position is used for navigation purposes, such as giving instructions to the user. By averaging during a standstill, a more accurate position can be determined which can be used to give better instructions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) that is configured to generate a navigation map of a local environment (497); and a display (240) controllable by said processor (200) to display said navigation map and any markers (489) that relate to marked locations within said local environment (497); characterised in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: an indicator generation module (490) for generating an indicator (491) for each of any marked locations outside of said local environment, said processor (210) being responsive to said indicator generation module (490) to control said display (240) to display any generated indicators (491) in said navigation map (497). A method of generating a navigation map and a computer program are also disclosed.