Navigation device and method for issuing warnings

Abstract

A method and device are disclosed for navigation. In at least one embodiment, the method enabling a navigation device to output a warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. In at least one embodiment, the navigation device includes a processor to enable the navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and an output device to output the warning upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

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, 60/879, 599 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879, 529 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879, 601 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 application. 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 DISPLAY OF POSITION IN TEXT READIBLE 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 PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (Attorney docket number 06P207US10) 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 are typically tailored to produce a route of travel based upon an initial position of the navigation device and a selected/input travel destination (end position), noting that the initial position could be entered into the device, but is traditionally calculated via GPS Positioning from a GPS receiver within the navigation device.

SUMMARY

The inventors discovered that on such long routes of travel, certain problems can occur if a driver is driving too fast. Thus, the inventors of the present application discovered that it would be desirous to warn a driver when certain situations are determined. They developed a warning method and a warning implementation on a navigation device, to warn users of the navigation device of potential speed related problems including but not limited to speeding, and recognition of approaching low speed zones such as areas with churches and schools and areas with sharp turns.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes enabling a navigation device to output a warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes a processor to enable the navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and an output device to output the warning upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

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;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an implementation of an embodiment of the navigation device 200;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present application relating to proximity warnings;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of flow chart for proximity warning output;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present application relating to sharp turn warnings;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of flow chart for sharp turn warning output;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a speed warning suggestion menu of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of flow chart for speed warning.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of speed warning outputs.

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 241 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 241, 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 connectible 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 400 (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 400 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 400 (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 400, and eventually with the internet 410 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 410 for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device 400.

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.

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 241, such as audio input/output devices for example.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an 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).

In an example embodiment, a method of the present application includes enabling a navigation device to output a warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

In an example embodiment, a navigation device of the present application includes a processor to enable the navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and an output device to output the warning upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

The inventors discovered that on such long routes of travel, certain problems can occur if a driver is driving too fast. Thus, the inventors of the present application discovered that it would be desirous to warn a driver when certain situations are determined. They developed embodiments of warning methods and warning implementations on a navigation device 200, to warn users of the navigation device 200 of potential speed related problems including but not limited to speeding, and recognition of approaching low speed zones such as areas with churches and schools and areas with sharp turns.

FIG. 5 of the present application is a flow chart illustrating a method of an example embodiment of the present application. Initially, in step S2, it is determined, by processor 210 for example, whether or not an option to enable a warning has been selected, or whether or not all warnings should be enabled automatically. For example, a user may be initially be displayed a plurality of warnings for selection on an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200 for example, and/or the user may further be displayed with an option to set the navigation device 200 initially to enable all warnings automatically. It the answer to step S2 is no, a typical navigation view is displayed to a user, and the user can further proceed with entry of desired travel destination and use of the navigation device 200.

If the answer to step S2 is yes, then in step S4 a processor 210 may enable the navigation device 200 to output a warning, such as a selected warning for example. It is noted that this enablement can take place as soon as a selection is received from a user to enable a warning, or it can take place subsequent to determination of a route of travel on a navigation device 200, based at least upon a received destination location for example. For example, once an indication of selection of a warning is received by the processor 210, a flag may be set such that once a route is determined, a warning may be enabled.

Thereafter, in step S6, it is determined, by processor 210 for example, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. The parameter can include an element to trigger the warning, such as at least one of predetermined speed, a relatively sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one of a church and school along the determined route of travel, for example. The parameter can further include being a certain speed over a speed limit, being within a certain distance of a relatively sharp turn, and/or being within a certain distance of a church or school.

If the answer to step S6 is no, the process cycles back to repeat step S6. If the answer to step S6 is yes, or if a plurality of parameters need to be met and each has not been met, the system proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the warning is output upon determining at least each one parameter governing the output of the warning is met. The warnings can include at least one of a speed warning, a relatively sharp church warning, and a proximity warning for example, wherein the proximity warning may be one regarding proximity to at least one of a church and school for example. As previously indicated, a plurality of selectable warnings may be displayed on an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200, wherein the navigation device 200 is subsequently enabled to output each of the at least one selected warning upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter governing output of each one selected warning is met. Further, a plurality of warnings may be selectable and enableable together, such that when parameters governing a particular warning are met, such a warning may be output.

It should be further noted that output of a warning may be suppressed prior to output of the warning, upon the processor 210 determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met. This can include, for example, the processor 210 determining that a user of the navigation device 200 is traveling along the highway when the processor 210 determines that the user of the navigation device 200 is within a distance of at least one of a church and school for example. Although being within a distance of at least one of the church and school would normally trigger output of the warning, recognition that the navigation device 200 is operating on a highway can be used to suppress output of the warning. Further, the output of the warning may be suppressed based upon the determination, by the processor 210 for example, that a vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located is operating within a referenced time period, such as late at night when the church and school are not open for example.

It should be noted that the output of the warning in step S8 can be at least one of visual and audible output via output device 241, wherein it is preferable that regarding proximity warnings such as being within a distance of at least one of a church and school, the output should preferably include an audible output.

The present application discusses enablement and outputting of warnings generally relating to speed conditions during travel along a route, such as speed warnings, warnings if approaching a relatively sharp turn too fast, and proximity warnings wherein low speed limits should be observed, such as in the areas of churches and schools for example. However, the present application is not limited as such and can include enablement of output of other types of warnings such as, for example, 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, the entire contents of each which are incorporated herein by reference; and other types of warnings not specifically discussed herein, but within the content of the subject matter of the present application.

Initially, examples of the present application will be discussed regarding proximity warnings such as church and school locations for example, in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7 of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6 for example, an initial screen may be displayed to a user in step S12 regarding various safety preferences, including whether or not the user wishes to be warned when near a place of worship (a church for example) or school. Although these and other options may be automatically enabled in the navigation device 200, the options may further be displayed on an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200 to a user, for subsequent selection thereof. Thereafter, in step S14, the processor 210 determines whether or not the option has been selected, namely has the option been set to “On.” If not, in step S16, the proximity warning for places of worship and schools is turned to “Off,” an the process proceeds to a normal navigation view, awaiting input of a route for example. However, if the option is set to “on,” the process then proceeds to step S18, where the proximity warning for place of worship and school is set to “on.” Thereafter, the process proceeds to the navigation view.

FIG. 7 describes one example embodiment of a process flow for the church and school warning example embodiment of the present application. Initially, in step S20, a route of travel is determined by a processor 210 in a navigation device 200, based upon at least a received destination location (noting that a current GPS location of a navigation device 200 is typically received via a GPS receiver within the navigation device 200, wherein from the received current GPS location and the received destination location, the route of travel can be calculated in a known manner). Thereafter, in step S22, it is determined, by the processor 210 for example, whether or not the proximity warning for the church/school is on. It should be noted that this can be determined based upon a selection made in step S12 of FIG. 6 for example, or could be automatic if the system is preset, such as by a user for example, to have all warnings automatically enabled. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to the normal navigation view and the navigation device 200 displays the route of travel determined.

If the answer is yes, the process moves to step S24 wherein the church/school proximity warning is enabled. It should be noted that this enablement can take place before the processor 210 determining a particular route of travel, or subsequent thereto, noting that if the option is turned on, a flag may merely be set such that when a route of travel is determined, the warning is enabled.

Thereafter, in step S26, it is determined whether or not a church or school is approaching on the determined route of travel. For example, areas such as churches or schools can be marked or flagged on a map such that if they are encountered by the processor 210 in determining a route of travel, the locations can be cached for future recall so that it can be determined, by the processor 210 for example, whether or not a church or school is approaching during the determined route of travel.

If the answer is no, the process feeds back to step S26 where the question is repeated. If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S28 where it is determined, by the processor 210 for example, whether or not the route of travel is on a highway. In such situations, slow speed zones will not be enforced and as such, output of the warning is essentially suppressed, and the process moves back to repeat the question asked in step S26. Thus, upon determining that a parameter governing suppressing of the outputting of the warning is met, such as that the route of travel is along a highway, the warning is essentially suppressed and will not be output.

If the answer in step S28 is no, the method moves to step S30, wherein another parameter governing suppressing of the output is determined, in conjunction with whether or not such a parameter is met. Specifically, in step S30, it is determined, by the processor 210 for example, whether or not the time of day is within a referenced time period, such as 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for example, wherein a church or school will not be operational. In such a situation, output of a warning will again be suppressed, and the process will move back to repeat the question in step S26. It should be noted that steps S28 and S30 can be determined in any order.

If the answer to step S30 is no, the processor 210 then determines whether or not the church or school is in a defined distance, such as 250 meters for example. It should be noted that the referenced time period of step S30 and the defined distance of step S32 can be set by the navigation system 200, to be any particular value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the use of 250 meters and a referenced time period of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. is merely for example purposes.

If it is determined that the church or school is not yet within 250 meters, or any designated distance, the process moves back to repeat the question in step S32. However, if the answer to the question of step S32 is yes, the system moves to step S34 wherein a warning can be output.

Such a warning can be at least one of an audible and a visual output. However, it is preferred that the warning include at least an audible output to easily warn the user of the navigation device 200 of the approaching church or school. In at least one embodiment of the present application, a plurality of selectable audible warnings may be displayed on an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200, and a processor 210 of the navigation device 200 may receive an indication of at least one selected audible warning. Thereafter, the navigation device 200 is subsequently enabled to output the selected audible warning in step S34 upon determining that each of at least one parameter governing output of the selected audible warning is met.

FIGS. 8 and 9 of the present application illustrate an example embodiment of methodology for outputting a warning, wherein a warning concerns a relatively sharp turn warning. As shown in FIG. 8 for example, the warning may be initially displayed to a user on a display screen 900 of an integrated input and display device 290 as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the user can be prompted to select a relatively sharp turn warning. The warning can be selectable from the list of a plurality of warnings, and/or can be automatically selected in the manner discussed previously. Once the warning is selected, it can later be enabled and thereafter output, upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter governing the output of a warning is met.

FIG. 9 includes a flowchart of an example embodiment of process for output of a sharp turn warning. In such embodiment, a route of travel is first determined in step S42 by processor 210 and thereafter, in step S44, the processor 210 determines whether or not the sharp turn warning preference has been turned on or otherwise selected. If so, the sharp turn warning may be enabled in step S46, noting that the enablement may occur subsequent to determining the route of travel and/or may occur prior to selecting a route of travel, in a manner similar to that previously described.

Thereafter, the process may optionally proceed to step S48, where it is determined, by processor 210, whether or not a vehicle, in which the navigation device 200 is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed, such as 8 miles per hour for example. By use of such a threshold speed, this is one way to stop the navigation system 200 from outputting sharp turn warnings when the vehicle is already traveling very slowly, wherein the need for such a warning may not be necessary (such as in a traffic jam for example). If not, the system proceeds back to step S48 until the threshold speed is reached in step S48 (again noting that this step is optional and need not be included in the process).

If the answer to the question posed in step S48 is yes, and/or if the question in step S48 is not presented, the process then moves to step S50 where it is determined, by the processor 210, whether or not an approaching corner on a current road is a relatively sharp corner. For example, the determining can include determining whether or not a turn exists, along the planned route of travel in the vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located, that includes a change of direction greater than a certain threshold. In one example, a relatively sharp turn can be defined as a turn changing direction at more than 25 degrees per second (wherein the number can be defined as a change in angle along a distance based on a legal road speed which is known to the navigation system 200). Thus, if such “sharp turns” can be so defined, they can be marked or flagged. Accordingly, upon determining at least one turn exists along the planned route of travel of the vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located, that includes a change of direction greater than the threshold, a location of the turn may be marked.

If the answer is no to the question posed in step S50, then the process loops back until the answer to the question is yes.

Thereafter, in step S52, the processor 210 determines whether or not a vehicle, in which the navigation device 200 is located, is within a threshold distance of the marked location of any determined existing each one turn (where that is within a certain distance from the relatively sharp turn which was determined to exist along the planned route of travel of the vehicle. As indicated in step S54, it may be asked whether or not the identified relatively sharp turn is within x meters of the relatively sharp turn.

Thereafter, if the answer is yes, the sharp turn warning may be output in step S60. Such an output is preferably an audible output, but can be at least one of a visual and audible output. If step S48 is included in the process, then the audible sharp turn warning will not be output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device 200 is located, is traveling at a speed below the threshold speed.

The process can further include the optional steps of Step S52, S56, S58, and S62. In this process, it may be determined, by processor 210, whether or not a second relatively sharp turn is within x meters of the first relatively sharp turn in step S52. If so, the process may proceed to step S56, where it is determined whether or not this second turn is also a relatively sharp turn. If so, the system may proceed to step S58 where it is determined whether or not the vehicle is within x meters or some designated threshold distance of the second relatively sharp turn, and if so, both the relatively sharp first turn and the relatively sharp second turn shortly thereafter can be jointly warned to the user in step S62. If the second turn is not a relatively sharp turn, as determined in Step S56, then the system merely proceeds to step S54 to determine whether or not the first relatively sharp turn is within a threshold distance of the vehicle.

In one example embodiment, the start of a relatively sharp turn may be defined as the first piece of road that bends more than 25 degrees per second. Thereafter, the end of the bend may be defined as a location where the curvature of the bend is decreased below 15 degrees per second for example. Further, the distance at which the user is warned, namely the threshold distance, may be determined dependent upon the known legal speed limit applicable to the current stretch of road. For example, roads with speed limits less than 50 kilometers per hour can include a threshold distance of 100 meters before the start of the bend and roads with speed limits greater than 50 kilometers per hour can include a threshold distance of 200 meters before the start of the bend.

Regarding suppressing of an output of a warning, upon the processor 210 determining that a driving speed is slower than 8 miles per hour for example, it may be desirable to suppress the output warning for a particular amount of time. For example, a warning may be suppressed when it is determined that the relatively sharp turn already has instruction within the system, indicating that the relatively sharp turn exists. This check may be done during an analysis of the curvature of the bend in the road, for example. As the curvature of the road may be based on all known types on that particular stretch of road, a quick check can be made by the processor 210 if one of the nodes is an instructional node. If so, the sharp turn warning may be suppressed. Further, the warning may be suppressed when driving slower than a threshold speed, such as 8 miles per hour for example, in order to reduce the number of warnings which are to be output when a user of the navigation device 200 is stuck in traffic. However, if the speed later increases before the relatively sharp turn is reached, the suppression can be lifted.

FIG. 10A provides an example embodiment of the present application dealing with speed warnings. Thus, the warning output upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter governing the output of the warning is met, subsequent to its enablement, may include a speed warning. Enablement of a speed warning may be done via a display 900 in a manner somewhat similar to that previously described, wherein at least one warning 1002 is selectable 1004. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, some type of menu may be displayed to a user, including a speed warning 1006, safety screen 1008, etc., displayable on an integrated input and display 290 as shown in FIG. 10B for example.

Alternatively, as a speed warning may be displayed in a status bar of an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200 for example, such a speed warning may be selectable and subsequently enabled via a screen display of FIG. 10A for example. As shown in FIG. 10A, a screen 900 is displayed, including a plurality of items to be shown on a status bar of the navigation device 200. The speed warning may be displayed as element 1002 for example, and may be selectable as shown by the checkmark in element 1004. Alternatively, of course, the speed warning can be enabled via a display along with a plurality of other selectable warnings, and/or may be automatically enabled in a manner previously discussed.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment for outputting the speed warning. Initially, in step S70, a route of travel is determined by processor 210. Thereafter, it is determined in step S72, whether or not the speed warning is on. If not, the process moves to the navigation view, and if so, the speed warning is enabled in step S74, noting that, similar to the other embodiments of the present application, the speed warning may be enabled before or after determination of the route of travel in Step S70.

Thereafter, in step S76, it is determined, by processor 210, whether or not at least one parameter governing the output of the warning is met, namely whether or not the speed is above the limit. Such a determination can be made in step S76 regarding whether or not the speed is above the limit or whether or not the speed is within a particular threshold above the limit. If the answer is no, the process cycles back, and if the answer is yes, the process moves to step S78.

In step S78, the processor 210 may determine whether or not the speed is above a threshold over the limit. Step S78 is an optional step, as will be explained as follows.

As stated above, the determination is made as to whether or not at least one parameter governing the output of the speed warning is met. This parameter could include whether or not the speed is above a limit as set forth in step S76, and alternatively can include another step S78, wherein it is determined whether or not the speed is above a threshold over the limit. If step S78 is eliminated, and the answer is yes to step S76, a warning may be output in Step S82, which may include a change of a display characteristic, such as a red display for example. However, if the threshold example is utilized in step S78, and the answer is no, a warning can be output including a different display characteristic, such as a yellow display for example, in step S80.

Accordingly, the output warning can be output upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. Further, if the output warning is a speed warning, the outputting may include a change in color of at least a portion of the display upon determining that the at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met, noting that the speed warning may be displayed in a first color such as yellow for example, if a threshold over the speed limit is not met in step S78, and can be displayed in a second color such as red, for example, if a speed is above a threshold over the limit (such as 10 miles or 10 kilometers an hour over the speed limit for example)

An example of a changing color of the speed display is shown in FIG. 12. A display 900 is presented to the user via the integrated input and display device 290 for example, wherein the speed warning is displayable in the status bar of a navigation display, and is illustrated by element 1004, in reference to the speed limit 1002. As can be seen, if the speed limit is exceeded, the display 1004 can be differentiated, such as by color for example, from the speed limit displayed 1002. Any type of differentiation can be used, such as blinking, etc. Further, a warning can include an audible warning as well. Any combination thereof can also be included wherein if the speeding is greater than the speed limit, the red display can be used. Further, if the speeding is greater than a certain threshold, such as 10 miles an hour over the speed limit for example, blinking can be used.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the warning may be output in the form of the symbol on a portion of the integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200, upon determining that the at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. An example is shown on the display 900 of FIG. 12, wherein the symbol 910 illustrates the speed warning.

It should be noted that the warning can be displayed in a number of fashions, wherein FIGS. 12 and 13 are merely exemplary of this. Thus, the speed warning can include a change of color of at least a portion of the display upon determining that the at least one parameter governing the output of the warning is met, can include display of a symbol, can include a first change in color upon determining the first parameter governing the output of the warning is met in the second changing of color of at least a portion of the display upon determining that a second parameter governing output of the warning is met, can include at least one of a visual and audible warning, etc. Further, the warning may or may not be displayed in the status bar, in a certain location as shown in FIG. 13, etc. Additionally, it should be noted that the speed can be determined in a conventional manner, wherein the thresholds or parameters governing output of the warning may be set during manufacture of the device, and/or may be set by the user if an option to set these warnings is presented thereto. Further, a red color typically significantly signifies some type of violation, it may be desirable to display the warning in a different color, such as orange or yellow, which improve contrast and are more easily noticeable. Again, flashing or otherwise distinguishing or differentiating at least one of the message and/or icon from that previously displayed and/or an audio warning can accompany the change in color as well.

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 processor 210 to enable the navigation device 200 to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device 200, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and an output device 241 to output the warning upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. Thus, such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 5-13, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.

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 210). 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 method, comprising:

enabling a navigation device to output a warning;

determining, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and

outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning is enabled at least one of automatically and upon receipt of an indication of a selection.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a plurality of selectable warnings on an integrated input and display device of the navigation device and receiving an indication of at least one selected warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to output each at least one selected warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of each at least one selected warning is met.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of warnings are selectable and enableable together.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes at least one of a speed warning, a relatively sharp turn warning, and a proximity warning.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximity warning is one regarding proximity to at least one of a church and school.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining includes determining whether or not the navigation device is within a distance of at least one of a church and school.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising suppressing output of the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising suppressing output of the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the output of the warning is suppressed based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is operating within a reference time period.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the output of the warning is suppressed based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is operating on a highway.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the outputting includes at least one of a visual and an audible output.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the outputting includes at least an audible output.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a plurality of selectable audible warnings on an integrated input and display device of the navigation device and receiving an indication of at least one selected audible warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to output the selected audible warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the selected audible warning is met.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a route of travel, in a navigation device, based upon at least a received destination location, wherein the determining of whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met, takes place subsequent to enabling the warning and determining the route.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining of the at least one parameter includes determining whether or not the determined route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning, wherein the warning is output subsequent to determining that the determined route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the element to trigger the warning includes at least one of a determined speed, a relatively sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one of a church and school along the determined route of travel.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a change in color of at least a portion of the display upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes display of a symbol on a portion of the integrated input and display device of the navigation device, upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a first change of a display characteristic of at least a portion of the display upon determining that a first parameter governing output of the warning is met and a second change of a display characteristic of at least a portion of the display upon determining that a second parameter governing output of the warning is met.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a relatively sharp turn warning and wherein the determining includes determining whether or not a turn exists, along a planned route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that includes a change of direction greater than a threshold.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, upon determining at least one turn exists along the planned route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that includes a change of direction greater than the threshold, a location of the turn is marked.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the sharp turn warning is output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is within a threshold distance of the marked location of any determined existing at least one turn.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sharp turn warning is not output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the outputting includes an audible output.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the audible sharp turn warning is not output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed.

27. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the navigation device to implement the method of claim 1.

28. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the navigation device to implement the method of claim 15.

29. A navigation device, comprising:

a processor to enable the navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and

an output device to output the warning upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

30. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning is enabled at least one of automatically and upon receipt of an indication of a selection.

31. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the output device includes an integrated input and display device to display a plurality of selectable warnings, the processor being further useable to receive an indication of at least one selected warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to output each at least one selected warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the each at least one selected warning is met.

32. The navigation device of claim 31, wherein a plurality of warnings are selectable and enableable together.

33. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes at least one of a speed warning, a relatively sharp turn warning, and a proximity warning.

34. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein the proximity warning is one regarding proximity to at least one of a church and school.

35. The navigation device of claim 34, wherein the determining by the processor includes determining whether or not the navigation device is within a distance of at least one of a church and school.

36. The navigation device of claim 29, further comprising suppressing output of the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.

37. The navigation device of claim 35, wherein the processor is further useable to suppress output of the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.

38. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the output of the warning is suppressed by the processor based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is operating within a reference time period.

39. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the output of the warning is suppressed by the processor based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is operating on a highway.

40. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the output device includes at least one of a visual and an audible output device.

41. The navigation device of claim 35, wherein the output device includes at least an audible output device.

42. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein the output device includes an integrated input and display device to display a plurality of selectable audible warnings and the processor is useable to receive an indication of at least one selected audible warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to output the selected audible warning upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the selected audible warning is met.

43. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the processor is further useable to determine a route of travel, in the navigation device, based upon at least a received destination location, wherein the determining of whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met, takes place subsequent to enabling the warning and determining the route of travel.

44. The navigation device of claim 43, wherein the determining of the at least one parameter by the processor includes determining whether or not the determined route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning, wherein the warning is output subsequent to determining that the determined route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning.

45. The navigation device of claim 44, wherein the element to trigger the warning includes at least one of a determined speed, a relatively sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one of a church and school along the determined route.

46. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a change in color of at least a portion of the display upon the processor determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

47. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes display of a symbol on a portion of the integrated input and display of the navigation device, upon determining that each at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.

49. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a first change of a display characteristic of at least a portion of the display upon determining that a first parameter governing output of the warning is met and a second change of a display characteristic of at least a portion of the display upon determining that a second parameter governing output of the warning is met.

50. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes a relatively sharp turn warning and wherein the determining includes determining whether or not a turn exists, along a planned route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that includes a change of direction greater than a threshold.

51. The navigation device of claim 50, wherein, upon the processor determining at least one turn exists along the planned route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that includes a change of direction greater than the threshold, a location of the turn is marked.

52. The navigation device of claim 51, wherein the sharp turn warning is output upon the processor determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is within a threshold distance of the marked location of any determined existing at least one turn.

53. The navigation device of claim 52, wherein the sharp turn warning is not output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed.

54. The navigation device of claim 52, wherein the output device includes an audible output device.

55. The navigation device of claim 54, wherein output of the audible sharp turn warning is stopped upon the processor determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed.