Abstract: A navigation device is programmed to be able to associate any function, belonging to a core set of functions, with a non-overlapping touch input zone that is large enough to be reliably activated using a finger. Hence, the present invention is predicated on the insight that it is possible to identify a set of core functions and to then enable all of them to be reliably selected/activated by a finger touch to a touch input zone large enough for reliable activation. This is especially advantageous for an in-car navigation device in which the core functions are those functions that are likely to be activated by a driver whilst still driving.

Abstract: A navigation device has a route re-calculation function. This is activated by the user touching the screen to task away from the normal navigation map mode to a menu screen which displays multiple types of route re-calculation options.

Abstract: A navigation device programmed with a map database and software that enables a route to be planned between two user-defined places. The device may also be programmed to be able to display on a touch sensitive display a main navigation mode screen showing a map and to allow a user to set a desired location as a location to be stored in device memory by touching the screen, for example at the desired location shown on the map. The navigation device is especially advantageous for an in-car navigation device since it allows the user to easily and reliably input the current location as a waypoint such as, a reference point for future navigation, even while the device is mounted in a vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation device programmed with a map database and software that enables a route to be planned between two user-defined places. The device may be further programmed to be able to display on a touch sensitive display a main navigation mode screen showing a map and to allow the user to task away from that screen by touching the navigation mode screen. The device is especially advantageous for an in-car navigation device since it allows the user to easily and reliably task away, for example to the main menu, by simply touching the main navigation mode screen anywhere.

Abstract: A navigation device programmed with a map database and software that enables a route to be planned between two user-defined places. The device may be further programmed to be able to display on a touch sensitive display a main navigation mode screen showing a map and to allow a user to input destination address information using a virtual keyboard whose keys are sized to allow reliable finger activation. The device is especially advantageous for an in-car navigation device since it allows the user to easily and reliably input address information, even whilst the device is mounted in a vehicle.