Navigation device and method using a personal area network

Abstract

A method and a navigation device are disclosed for . . . . The navigation device includes a memory to store at least one document; an input device to select at least one document stored in memory; and a network interface to identify at least one other device. The selected at least one document is sent via a personal area network to the at least one other identified device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network. The method includes selecting at least one document in a memory associated with a navigation device, identifying at least one other device accessible via a personal area network, and sending the at least one selected document via the personal area network to the at least one other identified device in response to a received input. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT

The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) on each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/879,523 filed Jan. 10, 2007; 60/879,549 filed Jan. 10, 2007; 60/879,553 filed Jan. 10, 2007; 60/879,577 filed Jan. 10, 2007; and 60/879,599 filed Jan. 10, 2007; the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

The following applications are being filed concurrently with the present applications. The entire contents of each of the following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference: A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EARLY INSTRUCTION OUTPUT (Attorney docket number 06P207US01) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AND USING PROFILES (Attorney docket number 06P207US02) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED MAP DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P207US03) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD RELATING TO AN AUDIBLE RECOGNITION MODE (Attorney docket number 06P207US04) filed on even date herewith; NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POINTS OF INTEREST (Attorney docket number 06P207US05) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FUEL PRICING DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P057US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INFORMATIONAL SCREEN DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P207US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DEALING WITH LIMITED ACCESS ROADS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DRIVING BREAK WARNING (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ISSUING WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P207US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF POSITION IN TEXT READABLE FORM (Attorney docket number 06P207US08) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P057US08) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REGIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING SPECIAL CHARACTERS IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A LOCATION MESSAGE (Attorney docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING POWER (Attorney docket number 06P207US11) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL (Attorney docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL RESOURCE (Attorney docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR QUICK OPTION ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P207US15) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A RICH CONTENT DOCUMENT (Attorney docket number 06P207US27) filed on even date herewith.

FIELD

The present application generally relates to navigation methods and devices.

BACKGROUND

Navigation devices were traditionally utilized mainly in the areas of vehicle use, such as on cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats, etc. Alternatively, if such navigation devices were portable, they were further transferable between vehicles and/or useable outside the vehicle, for foot travel for example.

These devices provide a user with directions and map information to direct the user from one location to another location. File transfer between these devices and a personal computer required USB communication through a USB cable.

SUMMARY

The inventors of the present application developed a method and implementation of a navigation device, to allow users of the navigation device to send and/or receive at least one document to/from at least one other device via a personal area network

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes a memory to store at least one document, an input device to select at least one document stored in memory, and a network interface to identify at least one other device. The selected at least one document is sent via a personal area network to the at least one other identified device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes a network interface to receive at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and a memory to store the at least one document. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes selecting at least one document in a memory associated with a navigation device, identifying at least one other device accessible via a personal area network, and sending the at least one selected document via the personal area network to the at least one other identified device in response to a received input. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and storing the at least one document in memory associated with a navigation device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes means for storing at least one document; means for selecting at least one document stored in memory, and means for identifying at least one other device, the selected at least one document being sent via a personal area network to the at least one other device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes means for receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and means for storing the at least one document. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application will be described in more detail below by using example embodiments, which will be explained with the aid of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (GPS);

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server, navigation device and connection therebetween of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a navigation device separated from an arm of a docking station;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a navigation device connected to the arm of the docking station;

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of sending a document according to one aspect of the present application;

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of receiving a document according to one aspect of the present application; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of sending and receiving a document.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

In describing example embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.

Referencing the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, example embodiments of the present patent application are hereafter described. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices, including the navigation device of embodiments of the present application. Such systems are known and are used for a variety of purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users.

Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which work with the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.

The GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.

As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS system is denoted generally by reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit about the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver 140, usable in embodiments of navigation devices of the present application, is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from the various satellites 120.

The spread spectrum signals 160, continuously transmitted from each satellite 120, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120, as part of its data signal transmission 160, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 120. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the GPS receiver device 140 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.

The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilized to input information; and the display screen 240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In at least one embodiment of the present application, the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input wherein a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 240 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.

In addition, other types of output devices 250 can also include, including but not limited to, an audible output device. As output device 250 can produce audible information to a user of the navigation device 200, it is equally understood that input device 240 can also include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.

In the navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 240 via a connection 225, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 240 and output device 250, via output connections 245, to output information thereto. Further, the processor 210 is operatively connected to memory 230 via connection 235 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O) ports 270 via connection 275, wherein the I/O port 270 is connectable to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device 200. The external I/O device 270 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The connection to I/O device 280 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some other network for example.

The navigation device 200, in at least one embodiment, may establish a “mobile” network connection with the server 302 via a mobile device (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology) establishing a digital connection (such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the mobile device can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a “mobile” network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a “real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.

The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using the internet 410 for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device 400 can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.

As such, an internet connection may be utilized which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)-connection (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the internet.

The navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the internet and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example.

The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, wherein the internal antenna of the navigation device 200 can further alternatively be used). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card, complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device.

For GRPS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated in a manner discussed in any of the embodiments, previous and subsequent.

FIG. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 210 and an antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255, wherein the antenna/receiver 250 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 250 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch antenna or helical antenna for example.

Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in FIG. 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in FIG. 2 are considered within the scope of the present application. For example, in one embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.

In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of FIG. 2 can be connected or “docked” in a known manner to a motorized vehicle such as a car or boat for example. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server 302 and a navigation device 200 of the present application, via a generic communications channel 318, of an embodiment of the present application. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 of the present application can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.).

The server 302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The processor 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver.

Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302.

The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes processor, memory, etc. as previously described with regard to FIG. 2, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.

Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.

The communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.

The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (rf) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, according to at least one various embodiment, the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, for example, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication.

The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology. For example, the signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication technology such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 318. According to at least one embodiment, these signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.

The mass data storage 312 includes sufficient memory for the desired navigation applications. Examples of the mass data storage 312 may include magnetic data storage media such as hard drives for example, optical storage media such as CD-Roms for example, charged data storage media such as flash memory for example, molecular memory, etc.

According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. According to at least one other embodiment of the application, the server 302 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc. Connection to the server can be wired or wireless. The device could host connection itself or use a gateway to access the server.

According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet.

The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated upon a user connecting navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.

The mass storage device 312 connected to the server 302 can include volumes more cartographic and route data than that which is able to be maintained on the navigation device 200 itself, including maps, etc. The server 302 may process, for example, the majority of the devices of a navigation device 200 which travel along the route using a set of processing algorithms. Further, the cartographic and route data stored in memory 312 can operate on signals (e.g. GPS signals), originally received by the navigation device 200.

As indicated above in FIG. 2 of the application, a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. In at least one embodiment, the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through a touch panel screen, for example. Such a screen may be a touch input LCD screen, for example, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device 240, such as audio input/output devices for example.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an actual implementation of an embodiment of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 4A, the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes an integrated input and display device 290 (a touch panel screen for example) and the other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to internal GPS receiver 250, microprocessor 210, a power supply, memory systems 220, etc.).

The navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 292, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a large suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked. As shown in FIG. 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to an arm 292 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device 292 to the arm 292 for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for connection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application). The navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of FIG. 4B. To release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for disconnection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application).

According to embodiments of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes a memory 230 to store at least one document; an input device 220 to select at least one document stored in memory; and a network interface 270 to identify at least one other device. The selected at least one document is sent via a personal area network to the at least one other identified device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to embodiments of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes a network interface 324 to receive at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and a memory 230 to store the at least one document. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to embodiments of the present application, a method includes selecting at least one document in a memory associated with a navigation device 200, identifying at least one other device accessible via a personal area network, and sending the at least one selected document via the personal area network to the at least one other identified device in response to a received input. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to embodiments of the present application, a method includes receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and storing the at least one document in memory 230 associated with a navigation device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to embodiments of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes means for storing at least one document; means for selecting at least one document stored in memory, and means for identifying at least one other device, the selected at least one document being sent via a personal area network to the at least one other device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to embodiments of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes means for receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and means for storing the at least one document. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

According to at least one embodiment of the present application, a method for sharing a document with at least one other device is illustrated in FIG. 5 and referenced generally by numeral 500. The method 500 includes a step 502 of selecting at least one document in a memory and a step 504 of identifying at least one other device accessible via a personal area network. Method 500 also includes a step 506 of sending the at least one selected document via the personal area network to the at least one other identified device.

It should be noted that each of the aforementioned aspects of an embodiment of the present application have been described with regard to the method of the present application. However, at least one embodiment of the present application is directed to a navigation device 200, including a memory 230 to store at least one document, an input device 220 to select at least one document stored in memory, and a network interface to identify at least one other device. The selected at least one document is sent via a personal area network to the at least one other identified device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network. Thus, such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 5-7, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.

A personal area network is a short-range wireless network. The short-range wireless network provides communication between two or more devices over a relatively small area. The area can be limited to a range of about ten (10) meters, about fifty (50) meters, or about one hundred (100) meters. In another implementation of the present application, a range can include up to about five (5) kilometers. In one implementation of at least one embodiment, the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network. In other implementations, the short-range wireless network is one of an ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) network, IrDA, HomeRF SWAP, WiFi, WiMax, ZigBee, etc. The short-range network is limited to a relatively small area by low-power signal transmission associated with network communication. A short-range wireless network can permit maximum power transmission up to between about 1 milliwatt to about 200 milliwatts.

In one implementation of at least one embodiment, identifying the at least one other device can include a navigation device 200 transmitting a search signal through the personal area network. If another device is within the range of the navigation device, the other device responds to the search signal. The other device is identified by the navigation device 200 by its response. Once the navigation device 200 has identified the other device, the navigation device 200 can receive an input via an input device 220 indicating a document be sent to the other devices.

When sending a document to the other device, an initial step can include seeking permission from the other device. The other device can respond by accepting or rejecting the document. If the other device rejects the document, the navigation device 200 terminates sending the document and exists to a menu displayed on display device 240 of the navigation device 200. If the other device accepts the document, the document is sent to the other device via the personal area network. While sending the document, a status screen can be shown on the display device 240.

In one implementation of at least one embodiment, a navigation device 200 can receive an input to an input device 220 for selecting one of the other devices identified by the navigation device 200. When a navigation device 200 transmits a search signal through the personal area network, more than one other device on the personal area network can respond the search signal. If a navigation device 200 receives a response from more than one other device, a user can provide an input to an input device 240 to select one or more of the other devices before sending a document. As a result, a user of a navigation device 200 can exclude certain other devices on a personal area network from receiving a document sent by the navigation device 200.

In another embodiment, a user of a navigation device 200 can also select one or more documents to be sent via a personal area network. The navigation device 200 can include a plurality of documents stored in memory 230 associated with the navigation device 200. A user can select one or more of these documents to send via the personal area network. The document can include at least one of an image document, an audio document, a video document, an address book document, and a movie document. Additionally, the document can be a point of interest entry, a rich content document, a symbol, an icon, a ring tone, and/or a color scheme stored in memory 230 associated with the navigation device 200.

According to one aspect of the present application, a navigation device 200 can receive a document from another device via a personal area network. The navigation device 200 includes a network interface 270 to a document from another device and a memory 230 for storing the document. The personal area network is the short-range wireless network. A method accordingly to another aspect of the present application is illustrated in FIG. 6 and generally referenced by numeral 600. The method 600 includes a step 602 of receiving a document from another device via a personal area network and a step 604 of storing the document in memory associated with the navigation device. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network.

It should be noted that each of the aforementioned aspects of an embodiment of the present application have been described with regard to the method of the present application. However, at least one embodiment of the present application is directed to a navigation device 200, including a network interface to receive at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network and a memory 230 to store the at least one document. The personal area network is a short-range wireless network. Thus, such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 5-7, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.

In one implementation of at least one embodiment, receiving the document from another device can includes checking memory 230 associated with a navigation device 200 to ensure sufficient memory capacity is available to store the document. If insufficient memory is available, the navigation device 200 can reject reception of the document. In addition to memory capacity, the navigation device 200 can also check the type of document to be received by the navigation device 200. A navigation device 200 may not support a particular type of document. Thus, the navigation device may be adapted to reject a document of the particular type. For example, one embodiment of a navigation device 200 may not be able to recognize a video document. When the navigation device 200 receives an indication a video document is to be received, the navigation device 200 can reject reception of the video document. The navigation device 200 displays a reception failure message on a displays device 240.

Apart from the document type and memory requirements of a navigation device 200, a user of the navigation device 200 can also indicate whether to accept or reject a document by providing an input to an input device 220. By accepting the document, the user commands the navigation device 200 to receive the document from the other device. By rejecting or not accepting, the user refuses to receive the document. In a number of implementations, the other device will stop sending a document if the user of the navigation device 200 refuses or does not accept a document.

Accordingly to at least one embodiment, the type of documents being received can also be considered in conjunction step 604, storing the at least one file. Based on a type of document, a document can be stored in a specific location or directory in memory 230 associated with the navigation device 200. As stated above, several different types of documents can be sent via a personal area network, such as an image document, an address book document, and/or a video document. When the document is received by the navigation device 200, the document can be stored in a particular directory to ensure the document is readily accessible by an application associated with the type of document. In one example, an audio document can be stored in an mp3 directory. When a user wants to play the audio document, an mp3 application allows the user to ready select a desired audio document stored in the mp3 directory. In another example, image document can be stored in a photo gallery directory. A photo viewing application can be set up such that is only displays images included in the photo gallery directory. Image documents stored elsewhere may not be viewable by the photo viewing application. In other examples, the document can be a rich content document. Rich content documents can be stored in a memory location accessible to a document browser or associated with a point of interest.

As described above, a document can be shared, sent and/or received by a navigation device 200. It should be understood that a navigation device capable of one of sharing, sending and receiving a document via a short-range wireless network is within the scope of the present application. Similarly, a navigation device 200 capable of sharing sending and receiving a document via a short-range wireless network is also within the scope of the present application. Furthermore, the other device, referred to above, can be a navigation device. Other device capable of communicating with a short-range network, such as a Bluetooth network, can be the other device. Specifically, the other device can be one or more of a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a computer, and another short-range wireless communication device.

According to a further embodiment of the present application, a method of sending and receiving a document via a personal area network is illustrated and referenced 700. The method 700 is illustrated by a number of example displays which are displayed on a navigation device 200. Example display 702 is a menu option display which allows a user of the navigation device 200 to send a document and/or receive a document. To send a document, a user provides an input to an input device 220, as shown on example display 702. The navigation device 200 receives the input and displays example display 704. In example display 704, the navigation device 200 prompts the user to ensure at least one other device is ready to receive a document. In response to the user's input to the input device 220, the navigation device 200 displays example display 706 on a display device 240.

Example display 706 indicates to the user that the navigation device 200 is searching for other devices on the personal area network. The navigation device 200 sends a search signal via the personal area network, by a transmitter 320 and/or I/O port 270. When the navigation device 200 has received a response from one or more other devices, the navigation device 200 displays example display 708. As shown, example display 708 indicates to the user the other devices that responded to the search signal transmitted by the navigation device 200. In this example, the at least one other device includes multiple other devices, i.e. three devices. The user can provide an input to the input device 220 of the navigation device 200 indicating which of the other devices are to receive the document sent by the navigation device 200. The input device is integrated into an integrated input and display device 290. The integrated input and display device 290 receives the user selection of at least one of the other devices. If multiple other devices are selected by the user, sending the document includes sending the document to the multiple other devices. When the user provides the input to the integrated input and display device 290, the navigation device 200 displays example displays 710A/B in the integrated input and display device 290.

As illustrated, example displays 710A/B allow the user to select one or more documents to send to the other device(s). The user can select the document via a search of documents stored in memory 230 associated with the navigation device 200 or a document browser displayed on the navigation device 200. When the user provides an input to input device 220 to select one or more documents, the navigation device 200 displays an example status display 712. The example status display 712 indicates the status of sending the document. In at least one embodiment, the integrated input and display device 290 indicates the status of sending the document as shown in example display 712. Based on a number of factors, sending the document either succeeds, in which case example display 714 is displayed, or fails, in which case example display 714 is displayed. Subsequently, the navigation device 200 gives the user an option to send another document.

To receive a document, a user provides an input to input device 220 as shown in example display 702. The input device can be integrated into an integrated input and display device 290. In response to the input, the navigation device 200 displays example display 718. In example display 718, the navigation device 200 indicates the status of receiving a document. When the status message is displayed on integrated input and display device 290, the navigation device 200 checks memory 230 associated with the navigation device to ensure sufficient memory capacity is available to store the document. If insufficient memory capacity is available, the navigation device 200 displays a received failed message as shown in example display 720. If sufficient memory capacity is available, the navigation device 200 displays example display 722. Example display 722 prompts the user to provide an input to the integrated input and display device 290 to accept or reject a document waiting to be received. If the user rejects or does not accept the document, the navigation device 200 exits to a menu. If the user provides an input indicating an acceptance of the document, the navigation device 200 displays the example status display 724, which indicates the status of receiving the document. Based on a number of factors, receiving the document either succeeds, in which case display 726 is displayed, or fails, in which case display 720 is displayed. Subsequently, the navigation device 200 gives the user an option to send another document.

The methods of at least one embodiment expressed above may be implemented as a computer data signal embodied in the carrier wave or propagated signal that represents a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor (such as processor 304 of server 302, and/or processor 210 of navigation device 200 for example) causes the processor to perform a respective method. In at least one other embodiment, at least one method provided above may be implemented above as a set of instructions contained on a computer readable or computer accessible medium, such as one of the memory devices previously described, for example, to perform the respective method when executed by a processor or other computer device. In varying embodiments, the medium may be a magnetic medium, electronic medium, optical medium, etc.

Even further, any of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a program. The program may be stored on a computer readable media and is adapted to perform any one of the aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device including a processor). Thus, the storage medium or computer readable medium, is adapted to store information and is adapted to interact with a data processing facility or computer device to perform the method of any of the above mentioned embodiments.

The storage medium may be a built-in medium installed inside a computer device main body or a removable medium arranged so that it can be separated from the computer device main body. Examples of the built-in medium include, but are not limited to, rewriteable non-volatile memories, such as ROMs and flash memories, and hard disks. Examples of the removable medium include, but are not limited to, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical storage media, such as MOs; magnetism storage media, including but not limited to floppy disks (trademark), cassette tapes, and removable hard disks; media with a built-in rewriteable non-volatile memory, including but not limited to memory cards; and media with a built-in ROM, including but not limited to ROM cassettes; etc. Furthermore, various information regarding stored images, for example, property information, may be stored in any other form, or it may be provided in other ways.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading the disclosure, the electronic components of the navigation device 200 and/or the components of the server 302 can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry or as a computer readable program, or as a combination of both.

The system and method of embodiments of the present application include software operative on the processor to perform at least one of the methods according to the teachings of the present application. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, the manner in which a software program can be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer based system to execute the functions found in the software program. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand the various programming languages which may be employed to create a software program designed to implement and perform at least one of the methods of the present application.

The programs can be structured in an object-orientation using an object-oriented language including but not limited to JAVA, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and the programs can be structured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language including but not limited to COBOL, C, etc. The software components can communicate in any number of ways that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to by application of program interfaces (API), interprocess communication techniques, including but not limited to report procedure call (RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM), and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present application disclosure, the teachings of the present application are not limited to a particular programming language or environment.

The above systems, devices, and methods have been described by way of example and not by way of limitation with respect to improving accuracy, processor speed, and ease of user interaction, etc. with a navigation device 200.

Further, elements and/or features of different example embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

Still further, any one of the above-described and other example features of the present invention may be embodied in the form of an apparatus, method, system, computer program and computer program product. For example, of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a system or device, including, but not limited to, any of the structure for performing the methodology illustrated in the drawings.

Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A navigation device for sending a document to at least one other device, the navigation device comprising:

a memory to store at least one document;

an input device to select at least one document stored in memory; and

a network interface to identify at least one other device, the selected at least one document being sent via a personal area network to the at least one other identified device, the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

2. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network

3. The navigation device of claim 2 wherein the short-range includes a range of about 10 meters.

4. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the at least one other device is one of a navigation device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a computer, or another short-range wireless communication device.

5. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the document includes at least one of an image document, an audio document, a video document, and an address book document.

6. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the document includes a rich content document.

7. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the input device is an integrated input and display device, the integrated input and display device to indicate a status of sending the at least one document.

8. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein multiple other devices are identified, the integrated input and display device to receive a user selection of at least one of the multiple other device, and wherein the at least one document is sent to the selected at least one of the multiple other devices.

9. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the network interface sends a search signal via the personal area network.

10. The navigation device of claim 1 wherein the short-range wireless network is ultra-wideband (UWB) network.

11. A navigation device for receiving a document with at least one other device, the navigation device comprising:

a network interface to receive at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network; and

a memory to store the at least one document; the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

12. The navigation device of claim 11 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network.

13. The navigation device of claim 11 further comprising a display device to indicate a status of receiving the document.

14. The navigation device of claim 11 wherein the short-range includes a range of about 50 meters.

15. The navigation device of claim 14 wherein the document includes at least one of an image document, an audio document, a video document, and an address book document

16. The navigation device of claim 11 wherein the network interface responds to a search signal from the at least one other device.

17. The navigation device of claim 11 wherein the at least one other device is one of a navigation device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a computer, and another short-range wireless communication device.

18. The navigation device of claim 11 wherein the short-range wireless network is one of an ultra-wideband network, an IrDA, a HomeRF SWAP, a WiFi, a WiMax, and a ZigBee.

19. A method of sharing a document with at least one other device, the method comprising:

selecting at least one document in a memory associated with a navigation device;

identifying at least one other device accessible via a personal area network; and

sending the at least one selected document via the personal area network to the at least one other identified device in response to a received input, the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the document includes at least one of an image document, an audio document, a movie document, and an address book document

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising indicating a status of sending the document.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein identifying the at least one other device includes searching for other devices accessible via the personal area network.

24. The method of claim 19 further comprising checking the memory in the navigation device to ensure sufficient memory capacity is available to store the document.

25. A method for receiving a document with at least one other device, the method comprising:

receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network; and

storing the at least one document in memory associated with a navigation device, the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the document is at least one of an audio document, an image document and a video document.

28. The method of claim 25 further comprising responding to a search signal from the at least one other device.

29. The method of claim 25 wherein the at least one other device is one of a navigation device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, and a computer.

30. A navigation device for sharing a document with at least one other device, the navigation device comprising:

means for storing at least one document;

means for selecting at least one document stored in memory; and

means for identifying at least one other device, the selected at least one document being sent via a personal area network to the at least one other device, the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

31. The navigation device of claim 30 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network.

32. The navigation device of claim 31 wherein the short-range includes a range of about 100 meters.

33. The navigation device of claim 30 wherein the document includes at least one of an image document, an audio document, and a movie document.

33. The navigation device of claim 30 wherein the at least one other device is one of a navigation device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, and a computer.

34. A navigation device for receiving a document with at least one other device, the navigation device comprising:

means for receiving at least one document from at least one other device via a personal area network; and

means for storing the at least one document; the personal area network being a short-range wireless network.

35. The navigation device of claim 34 wherein the short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth network.

36. The navigation device of claim 34 wherein the document includes at least one of an image document, an audio document, and a movie document.

37. The navigation device of claim 36 wherein the short-range includes a range of about 10 meters.

38. The navigation device of claim 34 wherein the at least one other device is one of a navigation device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, and a computer.