Portable navigation device with wireless interface

Abstract

A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with one or more wireless signal transceivers capable of establishing wireless communications with third party devices or systems having corresponding signal transceivers. In accordance with the invention, the software on said PND is adapted to establish a wireless communication with a third party device being a node having a corresponding wireless signal transceiver and being part of a vehicle controller area network (CAN) consisting of a plurality of nodes, each of said nodes having functionality represented by one or more signals distributed around said controller area network and received by at least said third party device, and further characterized in that said PND software includes one or more routines specific to the functionality of one or more of said nodes so as to effectively communicate with said node and utilize its functionality. Examples of third party devices include hands-free communications modules, gateway nodes, and indeed any vehicle subsystem which provides some function within the vehicle. Further examples include the stereo systems, engine management system, seat position controllers, multifunction steering wheel, dashboard and console displays, integrated navigation systems, and the like. The invention allows the PND either to interrogate the controller area network and retrieve information from one or more devices forming nodes on that network for display on the PND or improved operation thereof, or to cause control or state change of one or more of the devices forming nodes on the controller area network. Voice control of the PND is also possible in the case a voice recognition system is provided within the controller area network, and additionally, the vocal instructions issued by the PND can be caused to be replayed through the car stereo, if such is also connected to the controller area network within the vehicle.

Description

[0001]This invention relates to a portable navigation device; in particular, it defines a portable navigation device that can interface wirelessly with systems in a motor vehicle.[0002]A portable navigation device (‘PND’) is a device that provides route guidance based on location data derived from satellite signals (e.g. GPS or Galileo) and route finding algorithms running on the device. The device can be readily mounted in, and taken from, a vehicle. It is therefore unlike an embedded navigation device that is installed as part of the factory build of the vehicle and is meant to be a permanent system within the vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Portable navigation devices, such as the GO™ and ONE™ devices from TomTom International B.V., are increasingly popular for in-vehicle navigation. Embedded in-vehicle navigation systems, by contrast, are falling in overall market share. There are several reasons for this. First, embedded in-vehicle navigation systems are significantly ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, embedded in-vehicle navigation systems are significantly more costly for the end-user.

Secondly, they generally do not include the latest technology: when designing a highly complex product such as a motor vehicle, the design of the in-vehicle navigation systems has to be frozen typically 3 years before the vehicle is launched.

So an expensive motor vehicle, 5 years after launch, may be offered with an embedded navigation system that is at least 8 ears old, and possibly older.

Portable navigation devices have in the past generally had no ability to interface with factory installed equipment or systems in the vehicle, such as the embedded factory-fitted vehicle stereo.

One limited exception is that it is possible to connect the TomTom GO wirelessly to a Bluetooth™ interface box that is installed into a vehicle, behind the dashboard, as an after-market accessory (i.e. it is not factory fitted); the interface box is then connected by wires by a skilled installer to the in-vehicle stereo.

However, take up of this is likely to be quite limited because most ordinary users do not want the trouble or cost of professionally installing a dedicated interface box behind their vehicle dashboard for their GO portable navigation device.

But again, the cost and trouble of installing a dedicated interface box is considerable.

But, as with the TomTom Car Connect™ device, these kits require careful installation, which limits their appeal.

But, it does not describe enabling a portable navigation device to communicate with the factory installed subsystems at all.

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