Methods and apparatus for providing travel information

Abstract

A method of providing route attribute information is described, together with a device for performing the same. The method comprises accessing information indicative of a primary route to a destination location determined with respect to a trip database storing information indicative of a personal road network of a user of a mobile device, and an attribute of the primary route. One or more alternate routes to the destination location are determined, together with an attribute of each alternate route. Attribute information associated with at least one alternate route to the destination is output when a location of the mobile device is proximal to a decision point of the personal road network.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to mobile devices, and preferably navigation systems. Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), in particular PNDs that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality. Other embodiments relate, more generally, to any type of mobile processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning, and preferably also navigation, functionality.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GNSS (global navigation satellite systems), such as GPS, signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.[0003]In general terms, a modern PND comprises a processor, memory (at least one of volatile and non-volatile, and commonly both), and map data stored within said memory. The processor and memory coopera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a mobile device with a processor and a memory that can store information about a user's personal road network and the attributes of each road segment. The processor can use this information to determine alternative routes to a destination based on the user's current location and the attributes of the primary route. The processor can also recalculate the attributes of the primary route based on traffic or weather information and select the new primary route if it improves upon the current route. The invention also provides a method for displaying the attributes of the primary and alternate routes on a mobile device's display device. The technical effects of this invention include improved route planning and navigation for users of mobile devices.

Problems solved by technology

It has been observed that users travelling familiar routes may not utilise a navigation device, already knowing route.

Whilst the user does not need turn-by-turn guidance they also do not receive the benefit of information which the navigation device may be capable of providing.

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