Systems and methods for dynamic routing

Abstract

To increase the speed and efficiency of this path planning device, and to improve the computational operations within the path planning device. [Solution] A system and method are disclosed for dynamically planning a route using weather data for a recreational vehicle, dynamically navigating the recreational vehicle in adverse weather conditions, performing dynamic fuel range mapping for the recreational vehicle, and / or predicting a departure time for the recreational vehicle to arrive at its destination on time.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 016,684, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC ROUTING," filed on April 28, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to route planning devices and methods of operating the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to improvements in computational operations in a route planning device that increase the speed and efficiency of the route planning device.

Background Art

[0003] Recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, or off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles are widely used for entertainment purposes. These vehicles may be used on both roads and trails, or only on trails. Trails often pass through areas where private and public lands are intermixed, extend hundreds of miles in multiple directions, and may pass through various regions. Such trails generally extend through rural areas.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] As described above, the embodiments provided herein relate to route planning for recreational vehicles. Exemplary embodiments include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

[0005] In one embodiment, a navigation system for dynamically planning a route using weather data for a recreational vehicle includes a display screen, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions for the processor to perform the following actions when executed by the processor: receiving a destination from a user; determining a route to the destination; acquiring weather data for locations along the route; displaying the route along with weather indicators based on the weather data and estimated arrival times, wherein the weather indicators indicate the predicted weather when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the route; displaying an alternative route to the destination along the alternative route with weather indicators and a new estimated arrival time; receiving a request to set the alternative route as a new route; and navigating to the destination via the new route.

[0006] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to determine an estimated time of arrival to the destination via a travel route based on weather data, and to determine a new estimated time of arrival to the destination via an alternative route based on weather data. Displaying the travel route along with weather indicators along the travel route may include displaying the travel route along with the estimated time of arrival and weather indicators. Additionally, displaying an alternative route to the destination along with weather indicators may include displaying the alternative route to the destination along with the new estimated time of arrival and weather indicators.

[0007] In some embodiments, the weather indicator may include a color code indicating the probability of precipitation when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along its route.

[0008] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, that cause the processor to prompt the user whether to display alternative routes based on weather indicators.

[0009] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to continuously or periodically acquire updated weather data, determine any predicted changes in weather along the route, and, in response to the determination of any predicted changes in weather, display the route along with updated weather indicators and updated estimated arrival times.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for dynamically planning a route using weather data for a recreational vehicle includes the steps of: the recreational vehicle's navigation system receiving a destination from a user; the navigation system determining a route to the destination; the navigation system obtaining weather data for locations along the route; the navigation system displaying the route along the route with weather indicators based on the weather data, wherein the weather indicators indicate the predicted weather when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the route; the navigation system displaying alternative routes to the destination with weather indicators along the alternative routes; the navigation system receiving a request to set the alternative routes as new routes; and the navigation system navigating to the destination via the new routes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: the navigation system determining an estimated time of arrival to a destination via a route based on weather data; and the navigation system determining a new estimated time of arrival to a destination via an alternative route based on weather data. In some embodiments, the step of displaying the route along with weather indicators along the route may include the step of displaying the route along with the estimated time of arrival and weather indicators. Additionally, the step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with weather indicators may include the step of displaying the alternative route to the destination along with the new estimated time of arrival and weather indicators.

[0012] In some embodiments, the weather indicator may include a color code indicating the probability of precipitation when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along its route.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of the navigation system prompting the user whether to display an alternative route based on weather indicators.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: the navigation system continuously or periodically acquiring updated weather data; the navigation system determining any predicted changes in weather along the route; and, in response to the determination of any predicted changes in weather, the navigation system displaying the route along with updated weather indicators and updated estimated arrival times.

[0015] In another embodiment, a navigation system for dynamically navigating the vicinity of a recreational vehicle in adverse weather conditions includes a display screen, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions, when executed by the processor, for the processor to receive a destination from a user, determine a route to the destination, acquire weather data for locations along the route, determine, based on the weather data, whether adverse weather is expected along the route, and, in response to the determination that adverse weather is expected, determine whether an alternative route to the destination is available to avoid the adverse weather.

[0016] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to: display an alternative route to the user in response to a determination that an alternative route is available; receive a request to set the alternative route as the new route; and navigate to the destination via the new route.

[0017] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to: notify the user how much time the user has before an expected severe weather event occurs in response to a determination that no alternative route is available; ask the user whether they want to seek lodging before the severe weather occurs; determine one or more lodgings in response to receiving a response requesting lodging; display one or more lodgings; receive a response from the user indicating a lodging selected from one or more lodgings; and determine a new route to the selected lodging.

[0018] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to: query the user whether to notify someone that the expected time of arrival has changed; receive a response from the user requesting that one or more contacts be notified; and, in response to receiving the response, send a message to one or more contacts.

[0019] In another embodiment, a method for dynamically navigating a recreational vehicle in adverse weather conditions includes the steps of: receiving a destination from a user via the recreational vehicle's navigation system; determining a route to the destination via the navigation system; obtaining weather data for locations along the route via the navigation system; determining, based on the weather data, whether adverse weather is expected along the route via the navigation system; and, in response to the determination that adverse weather is expected, determining, via the navigation system, whether an alternative route to the destination is available to avoid the adverse weather.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: the navigation system, in response to a determination that an alternative route is available, displays an alternative route to the user; the navigation system, receiving a request to set the alternative route as a new route; and the navigation system, navigating to a destination via the new route.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method may further include: in response to a determination that no alternative route is available, the navigation system notifying the user how much time the user has before the expected severe weather occurs; the navigation system asking the user whether they want to seek accommodation before the severe weather occurs; in response to receiving a response requesting accommodation, the navigation system determining one or more accommodations; the navigation system displaying one or more accommodations; the navigation system receiving a response from the user indicating an accommodation selected from the one or more accommodations; and the navigation system determining a new route to the selected accommodation.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: the navigation system asking the user whether to notify someone that the estimated time of arrival has changed; the navigation system receiving a response from the user requesting that one or more contacts be notified; and the navigation system sending a message to one or more contacts in response to receiving the response.

[0023] In another aspect, a navigation system for dynamic fuel range mapping for a recreational vehicle includes a display screen, a processor, and a memory. When executed by the processor, the memory causes the processor to receive a destination from a user, determine a driving route to the destination, determine one or more current vehicle parameters, dynamically update a fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters, and generate a visual map on the display screen having fuel range indicators indicating different levels of fuel range.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fuel range may indicate approximately how far a recreational vehicle can travel at the current fuel level.

[0025] In some embodiments, the one or more current vehicle parameters may include a fuel remaining rate and an average fuel consumption.

[0026] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine one or more current occupancy states, and dynamically updating the fuel range may include dynamically updating the fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters and the one or more current occupancy states.

[0027] In some embodiments, the one or more current occupancy states may include a weather state and a road state.

[0028] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine whether a recreational vehicle can travel to a destination via a driving route without refueling, identify a gas station near a driving route where the recreational vehicle may run out of fuel, display the gas station on a visual map on the display screen, and determine a new driving route including a new stop at the gas station.

[0029] In some embodiments, the gas station may be located at the position closest to the driving route before running out of fuel.

[0030] In some embodiments, when executed by the processor, the memory may further include instructions for prompting the user whether to add a new stop at a gas station before reaching the destination.

[0031] In some embodiments, when executed by the processor, the memory may further include instructions for causing the processor to update the fuel range based on the added stop to the destination, one or more updated vehicle parameters, and / or one or more updated riding states.

[0032] In another aspect, a method for dynamic fuel range mapping for a recreational vehicle includes receiving a destination from a user by a navigation system of the recreational vehicle, determining a driving route to the destination by the navigation system, determining one or more current vehicle parameters by the navigation system, dynamically updating the fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters by the navigation system, and generating a visual map having a fuel range indicator indicating different levels of fuel range on a display screen by the navigation system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fuel range may indicate approximately how far the recreational vehicle can travel at the current fuel level.

[0034] In some embodiments, the one or more current vehicle parameters may include the fuel remaining rate and the average fuel consumption.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method may further include determining one or more current riding states, and the step of dynamically updating the fuel range may include dynamically updating the fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters and the one or more current riding states.

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more current riding conditions may include weather conditions and road conditions.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: using a navigation system to determine whether an entertainment vehicle can travel along a route to a destination without refueling; using a navigation system to identify gas stations near the route where the entertainment vehicle may run out of fuel; using a navigation system to display the gas stations on a visual map on a display screen; and using a navigation system to determine a new route that includes new stops to gas stations.

[0038] In some embodiments, the gas station may be located closest to the point along the route taken before running out of fuel.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of the navigation system asking the user whether to add an additional stop to a gas station before reaching the destination.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of the navigation system updating a fuel range index based on additional stops to the destination, updated vehicle parameters, and / or updated occupancy conditions.

[0041] In another embodiment, a navigation system that predicts the departure time for an entertainment vehicle to arrive at its destination on time includes a display screen, a processor, and memory. The memory includes commands that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a desired arrival time to the destination via a selected route, to activate delayed-start navigation, to determine the current location and the travel time to the destination via a selected route based at least on the current location, to determine the departure time based on the travel time, to determine whether the departure time is within a predetermined period from the current time, and to notify the user that the departure time is approaching.

[0042] In some embodiments, the travel time may represent the approximate time required for the recreational vehicle to travel from its current location to its destination via a selected route at the current time.

[0043] In some embodiments, the departure time may indicate the time at which the user must depart for the destination in order to arrive at the desired arrival time.

[0044] In some embodiments, determining the travel time to the destination includes determining the travel time to the destination based on the current location and the traffic volume along the selected travel route at the current time.

[0045] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to receive a destination from the user, determine one or more travel routes to the destination, and receive a selected travel route from one or more travel routes selected by the user.

[0046] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to determine whether the user has requested to start navigation immediately or to cancel delayed-start navigation; to start navigation to a destination via a selected route in response to the determination that the user has requested to start navigation immediately; and to deactivate delayed-start navigation in response to the determination that the user has requested to cancel delayed-start navigation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions, when executed by the processor, for causing the processor to receive a request from the user to start navigation in response to a notification to the user that the departure time is approaching, and to start navigation to the destination via a selected route.

[0048] In another embodiment, a method for predicting a departure time for an entertainment vehicle to arrive at its destination on time includes the steps of: receiving a desired arrival time to the destination via a selected route via the entertainment vehicle's navigation system; initiating a delayed start navigation via the navigation system; determining the current location and the travel time to the destination via at least a route selected based on the current location via the navigation system; determining a departure time based on the travel time via the navigation system; determining whether the departure time falls within a predetermined period from the current time via the navigation system; and notifying the user that the departure time is approaching via the navigation system.

[0049] In some embodiments, the travel time may represent the approximate time required for the recreational vehicle to travel from its current location to its destination via a selected route at the current time.

[0050] In some embodiments, the departure time may indicate the time at which the user must depart for the destination in order to arrive at the desired arrival time.

[0051] In some embodiments, the step of determining the travel time to the destination may include determining the travel time to the destination based on the current location and the traffic volume along the selected travel route at the current time.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: receiving a destination from a user via a navigation system of an entertainment vehicle; determining one or more routes to the destination via the navigation system; and receiving a route selected from one or more routes selected by the user via the navigation system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: determining whether the user has requested that the navigation system start navigation immediately or has canceled delayed-start navigation; in response to the determination that the user has requested that the navigation system start navigation to a destination via a selected route; and in response to the determination that the user has requested that the delayed-start navigation be canceled, the navigation system deactivates the delayed-start navigation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method may further include the steps of: the navigation system receiving a request from the user to start navigation in response to the user being notified that the departure time is approaching; and the navigation system starting navigation to a destination via a selected route.

[0055] In another embodiment, a navigation system for navigating to a place of interest includes a display screen, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions, when executed by the processor, for the processor to determine a first list of places of interest, to display the first list on a display screen to a user of an entertainment vehicle, to receive a place of interest selected by the user from the first list, to determine a second list associated with the places of interest, the second list including one or more neighboring locations of the places of interest, and to display the second list on the display screen.

[0056] In some embodiments, determining a first list of locations of interest may include determining one or more locations that a user of an entertainment vehicle might search for and / or has searched for in the past.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first list of locations of interest may include at least one of airports, banks, highways, medical services, and parking lots.

[0058] In some embodiments, determining a second list may include determining the distance and direction to each of one or more neighboring locations of a place of interest relative to the current location of the recreation vehicle, and displaying the second list may include displaying the distance and direction to each of one or more neighboring locations of a place of interest relative to the current location of the recreation vehicle.

[0059] In some embodiments, the memory may further include instructions that cause the processor to determine the traffic conditions of one or more neighboring locations of a location of interest when executed by the processor, and displaying a second list may include displaying one or more neighboring locations of the location of interest along with the corresponding traffic conditions.

[0060] In some embodiments, traffic conditions may be color-coded.

[0061] In another embodiment, a method for navigating to a place of interest includes the steps of: determining a first list of places of interest using a navigation system; displaying the first list to a user of an entertainment vehicle using a navigation system; receiving a place of interest selected by the user from the first list using a navigation system; determining a second list associated with a place of interest using a navigation system, wherein the second list includes one or more neighboring locations of the place of interest; and displaying the second list using a navigation system.

[0062] In some embodiments, the step of determining a first list of places of interest may include determining one or more places that a user of an entertainment vehicle might search for and / or has searched for in the past.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first list of locations of interest may include at least one of airports, banks, highways, medical services, and parking lots.

[0064] In some embodiments, the step of determining a second list may include determining the distance and direction to each of one or more neighboring locations of a place of interest relative to the current location of the recreation vehicle, and the step of displaying the second list may include displaying the distance and direction to each of one or more neighboring locations of a place of interest relative to the current location of the recreation vehicle.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of determining the traffic conditions of one or more nearby locations of a place of interest using a navigation system, and the step of displaying a second list may include the step of displaying one or more nearby locations of interest along with the corresponding traffic conditions.

[0066] In some embodiments, traffic conditions may be color-coded.

[0067] Although several embodiments are disclosed, further embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description illustrating and describing exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This figure shows a system for dynamic routing, including a vehicle with a navigation system, according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically planning driving routes using weather data. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically planning driving routes using weather data. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative screenshot of a vehicle navigation system display screen showing a map with weather indicators along the driving route. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically navigating the surroundings of adverse weather conditions. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically navigating the surroundings of adverse weather conditions. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically navigating the surroundings of adverse weather conditions. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically navigating the surroundings of adverse weather conditions. [Figure 9]This is an exemplary screenshot of a navigation system display screen showing a map with areas affected by bad weather, major routes, and alternative routes to avoid those areas. [Figure 10] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for dynamically generating maps with fuel range indicators. [Figure 11] This figure shows an exemplary fuel range for a vehicle and an exemplary screenshot of the display screen of a navigation system showing a map with a driving route that includes a fuel range indicator. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for setting up delayed-start navigation to arrive at the destination on time. [Figure 13] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for setting up delayed-start navigation to arrive at the destination on time. [Figure 14] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for setting up delayed-start navigation to arrive at the destination on time. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for setting up delayed-start navigation to arrive at the destination on time. [Figure 16] This figure shows an illustrative screenshot of the display screen of a navigation system demonstrating the delayed-start navigation function. [Figure 17] This figure shows an illustrative screenshot of a vehicle navigation system for navigating away from congested traffic. [Figure 18] This figure shows an illustrative screenshot of a vehicle navigation system for dynamically navigating in adverse weather conditions. [Figure 19] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for providing route recommendations to available or accessible intermediate points. [Figure 20] This flowchart illustrates a computer implementation method for providing route recommendations to available or accessible intermediate points. [Figure 21] This figure shows an illustrative screenshot of a vehicle navigation system that provides route recommendations to destinations with seasonally available or accessible intermediate points.

[0069] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts across multiple figures. While the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, they are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and describe the present disclosure. The examples described herein illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where similar reference numerals represent similar parts and assemblies across multiple drawings. References to various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims appended herein. In addition, any embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely to describe some of the many possible embodiments of the claimed invention.

[0071] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computer system 100 for dynamic routing. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 includes a user's vehicle 120, one or more servers 150, and one or more computing devices 160 associated with the user. The one or more servers 150 and the one or more computing devices 160 are communicably coupled to the vehicle 120 via a network 110. The servers 150 generally correspond to one or more computing systems configured to communicate with the vehicle 120 to provide and / or receive data (e.g., GPS data, weather data, and map data). For example, the server 150 may be a service provider computer system associated with the vehicle (e.g., a GPS data provider computer system, a weather data provider computer system, or a map data provider computer system).

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 120 includes a navigation system 130, which further includes a processor 132, memory 134, an input / output (I / O) controller 136 (e.g., a network transceiver), a memory unit 138, a display screen 140, a user interface 142, and a speaker / microphone 144, all of which can be interconnected via one or more address / data buses. It should be understood that the I / O controller 136, while shown as a single block, may include multiple different types of I / O components. It should be understood that the display screen 140 may be a touchscreen. The user interface 142 may include one or more input devices (e.g., a touchpad, keyboard, buttons) capable of receiving user input. It should be understood that the navigation system 130 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 120. Such communication may be via a wired or wireless connection. Although the navigation system 130 is shown in Figure 1 as part of the vehicle 120, in some embodiments the navigation system 130 can be implemented on a computing device separate from the vehicle 120. For example, the navigation system 130 may be embodied as an application running on a mobile device communicatively coupled to the vehicle 120.

[0073] The processor 132 disclosed herein may be any electronic device capable of processing data, such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), system-on-a-chip (SoC), or any other suitable type of processor. It should be understood that various operations of the exemplary methods described herein (i.e., performed by the navigation system 130) may be performed by one or more processors 132. The memory 134 may be random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable type of memory that enables the storage of data such as instruction codes that the processor 132 needs to access to implement any of the methods disclosed herein. Although only one processor 132 is shown, it should be understood that the navigation system 130 may include multiple processors 132.

[0074] The navigation system 130 may further include a database 148. As used herein, the term “database” can refer to a single database or other structured data storage device, or a collection of two or more different databases or structured data storage components. In exemplary embodiments, the database 148 is part of the navigation system 130. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may access the database 148 via a network, such as network 110. The database 148 can store data received from and / or transmitted to server 150 and / or computing device 160.

[0075] The navigation system 130 may further include a number of software applications stored in a memory unit 138, which may be referred to as program memory. Various software applications on the navigation system 130 may include specific programs, routines, or scripts for performing processing functions related to the methods described herein. Additionally or alternatively, various software applications on the navigation system 130 may include general-purpose software applications for data processing, database management, data analysis, network communication, web server operation, or other functions described herein or typically performed by a vehicle's navigation system. Various software applications may run on the same computer processor or on different computer processors. Additionally or alternatively, software applications may interact with various hardware modules that may be installed in or connected to the navigation system 130. Such modules may implement some or all of the various exemplary method functions or other related embodiments described herein. Although only one navigation system 130 is shown in Figure 1, the server 150 can communicate with multiple navigation systems similar to the navigation system 130.

[0076] In general, the computing device 160 may include any existing or future device capable of collecting, receiving, storing, transmitting, and / or displaying data with the user. For example, the computing device may be, but is not limited to, a computer, notebook, laptop, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, wearable, smart glasses, or any other suitable computing device capable of communicating with the server 150 and / or navigation system 130.

[0077] Network 110 is any suitable type of computer network that functionally connects the vehicle's navigation system 130 with at least one computing device 160 and / or at least one server 150. Network 110 may include one or more other types of networks, such as a private network, a secure public internet, a virtual private network, and / or a dedicated access line, a regular telephone line, a satellite link, a cellular data network, or a combination thereof. In embodiments where Network 110 includes the internet, data communication may take place over Network 110 via Internet communication protocols.

[0078] Network 110 may be, or include, any number of different types of communication networks, such as, for example, bus networks, short messaging services (SMS), local area networks (LANs), wireless LANs (WLANs), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), the Internet, P2P networks, custom-designed communication or messaging protocols, and / or equivalents. Network 110 may include combinations of multiple networks.

[0079] Please understand that this figure is merely an example and does not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

[0080] Referring here to Figures 2 and 3, a computer implementation method 200 for dynamically planning a driving route using weather data is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, method 200 is performed by a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130). For this purpose, in block 202, the navigation system 130 receives a destination from a user (e.g., the driver / occupant or passenger of the vehicle). In an exemplary embodiment, the destination may be received via the navigation system 130's display screen (e.g., 140) and / or user interface (e.g., 142). However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the destination may be received via a computing device (e.g., 160) communicatively coupled to the navigation system 130. As stated above, the computing device may be a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, computer, notebook, laptop, or any other suitable computing device communicatively coupled to the navigation system to provide data (e.g., user input, weather data, GPS data, and / or map data).

[0081] If the navigation system 130 determines in block 204 that the destination has not been received, method 200 loops back to block 202 and continues to wait for the destination to be received from the user. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 204 that the destination has been received, method 200 proceeds to block 206.

[0082] In block 206, the navigation system 130 determines the route to the destination. Then, in block 208, the navigation system 130 obtains weather data for locations along the route from a server (e.g., 150) and / or a computing device (e.g., 160).

[0083] Next, in block 210, the navigation system 130 displays on a display screen (e.g., 140) a map showing the route to the destination, along with weather indicators along the route showing estimated arrival times. The weather indicators indicate the predicted weather when the vehicle reaches each location along the route. In some embodiments, the route may be color-coded to indicate the probability of precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, or hail) when the vehicle is at each location, as shown in block 212.

[0084] For example, Figure 4 shows exemplary screenshots 400 and 410 of the display screen of the navigation system 130. As shown in screenshots 400 and 410, the user may drive from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Urbana, Illinois. In response to receiving from the user that the destination is Urbana, Illinois, the navigation system 130 determines that the route is Minneapolis-Madison-Rockford-Chicago-Urban, with estimated times of arrival at each of the destination and intermediate cities, as shown in screenshot 400. The route is color-coded and shows the probability of precipitation when the vehicle is at each location along the route. The number of locations along the route (e.g., intermediate cities, towns, or intersections) displayed on the navigation system may depend on the length of the route, the speed of travel, and / or other factors that display information appropriate to the driving conditions. For example, shorter routes may require more points of interest to accurately display the risk of bad weather. In other examples, the navigation system 130 may allow the user to change the number of points along the route (for example, they may be able to select specific cities, towns, or intersections, or select or modify specific periods along the route). In embodiments, weather conditions can be determined for points along the route, the weather conditions for the route segments are interpolated between these individual points, and the color codes of the route sections are color-coded to indicate these individual and interpolated values.

[0085] Specifically, the example screenshot 400 shows that the likelihood of rain increases as the vehicle passes through Rockford, and that it may rain while the vehicle is traveling through Chicago and Urbana.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the user may choose to display predicted temperatures along the driving route. In such embodiments, the weather indicator on the map may display predicted temperatures along the driving route when the vehicle is at each location, as shown in block 214.

[0087] In exemplary embodiments, the navigation system 130 prompts the user whether to display one or more alternative routes based on weather indicators, as shown in block 216. For example, if weather indicators indicate a high probability of rain along the route, the user may choose to display alternative routes that avoid precipitation. In block 218, if the navigation system 130 receives user input indicating that the user does not wish to display alternative routes, method 200 skips to block 230 to navigate to the destination via the original route. However, in block 218, if the navigation system 130 receives user input indicating that the user wants to display alternative routes, method 200 proceeds to block 220 to display one or more alternative routes to the destination. It should be understood that in some embodiments, blocks 216 and 218 may be optional features. In such embodiments, based on the predicted weather along the route, the navigation system 130 may decide to display one or more alternative routes to the destination along with the original route. For example, if the navigation system 130 determines that there is a high probability of precipitation along the driving route (e.g., more than 50% chance of precipitation), the navigation system 130 can display one or more alternative routes to the destination that avoid the precipitation without asking the user whether to display an alternative route.

[0088] In block 220, the navigation system 130 displays one or more alternative routes to the destination, along with weather indicators along each alternative route and a new estimated time of arrival for each alternative route. For example, if the weather indicator shows a probability of precipitation along the route, the navigation system 130 may further display one or more alternative routes to avoid precipitation, as shown in block 222.

[0089] Referring back to the example shown in Figure 4, as shown in screenshot 400, the original route is Minneapolis-Madison-Rockford-Chicago-Urbanana, with estimated arrival times at the destination and each of the intermediate cities. As shown in screenshot 410, in this example, an alternative route of Minneapolis-Madison-Rockford-Bloomington-Urbanana may be displayed to avoid precipitation at the new estimated arrival times at the destination and each of the intermediate cities. The alternative route is also color-coded to show the probability of precipitation when the vehicle is at each location along the alternative route. Specifically, screenshot 410 shows that the alternative route minimizes the chance of encountering rain by going through Bloomington instead of Chicago.

[0090] After one or more alternative routes are displayed to the user, the navigation system 130 asks the user whether to select one of the alternative routes, as shown in block 224. In exemplary embodiments, the user's selection may be received via the display screen 140 or user interface 142 of the navigation system 130. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the destination may be received via the computing device 160. In block 226, if the navigation system 130 determines that the user has instructed (e.g., explicitly or implicitly by not selecting an alternative route), method 200 skips to block 230 and begins navigation to the destination via the original route. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 226 that the user has selected an alternative route, method 200 proceeds to block 228 and sets the selected alternative route as the new route. Then, in block 230, the navigation system 130 navigates to the destination via the new route.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the navigation system 130 continuously or periodically acquires new weather data to determine any changes in the predicted weather along the route and proposes one or more alternative routes to avoid the predicted weather (e.g., precipitation). To this end, while navigating along the route to the destination, the method 200 loops back to block 208 to acquire updated weather data for the location along the route and continues to generate updated weather indicators along the route to the destination.

[0092] Although Method 200 is described as being performed by the navigation system 130, it should be understood that in some examples, such a method (i.e., all or part of Method 200) may be performed by one or more processors of a server (e.g., 150). For example, the server may be associated with a service provider network / system that communicates with the vehicle's navigation system 130. In such an embodiment, the user can communicate with the server via their computing device (e.g., 160) to plan a trip to avoid predicted weather conditions. Furthermore, in other embodiments, Method 200 (i.e., all or part of Method 200) may be performed by an application running on the computing device (e.g., 160). For example, the computing device may be the user's mobile device.

[0093] Referring here to Figures 5-8, a computer implementation method 500 for dynamically navigating around inclement weather is shown. Traditionally, users have tried to avoid inclement weather by looking at the sky or checking weather information on their mobile devices to predict which route will get them out of it. However, this is generally not very effective, and users may get lost, usually in the dark, and then arrive at their destination later than planned using navigation, potentially driving in inclement weather. The navigation systems disclosed herein (e.g., 130) enable users to avoid driving in inclement weather, not only to reduce user anxiety and stress (e.g., when driving in mountainous or rural areas), but also to keep the user safe and dry.

[0094] In exemplary embodiments, method 500 is performed by a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130). In block 502, the navigation system 130 receives a destination from a user (e.g., the driver / occupant or passenger of the vehicle). In exemplary embodiments, the destination may be received via the navigation system 130's display screen (e.g., 140) and / or user interface (e.g., 142). However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the destination may be received via a computing device (e.g., 160) communicatively coupled to the navigation system 130.

[0095] If the navigation system 130 determines in block 504 that the destination has not been received, method 500 loops back to block 502 and continues to wait for the destination to be received from the user. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 504 that the destination has been received, method 500 proceeds to block 506.

[0096] In block 506, the navigation system 130 determines a route to the destination and obtains weather data for locations along the route from a server (e.g., 150) and / or a computing device (e.g., 160). As described above, the computing device may be a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, computer, notebook, laptop, or any other suitable computing device that is communicably coupled to the navigation system to provide data (e.g., user input, weather data, GPS data, and / or map data).

[0097] Subsequently, in block 508, the navigation system 130 determines whether adverse weather is expected as the vehicle travels along the route. In some embodiments, this is achieved by the navigation system 130 determining, based on the vehicle's speed, the approximate time at which the vehicle is expected to reach a particular location along the route (e.g., a major city, town, or intersection), and, based on weather data, predicting the future weather at that location at the corresponding estimated time of arrival. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 can determine the future weather along the route and can be updated at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes). In such embodiments, it should be understood that the predetermined interval may be pre-programmed or manually selected by the user. It should be understood that the navigation system 130 dynamically updates the adverse weather expected throughout the entire journey based on the vehicle's current speed, the current route, and the updated weather data. Adverse weather includes, but is not limited to, rain, snow, hail, sleet, cold snaps, strong winds, sandstorms, extreme high / low temperatures in the area concerned, and / or any unusual or unpleasant weather conditions.

[0098] In block 510, if the navigation system 130 determines that no adverse weather is expected while the vehicle is traveling along the route, method 500 proceeds to block 512. In block 512, the navigation system 130 displays a map showing the route to the destination on its display screen 140 and begins navigation along the route. In an exemplary embodiment, the navigation system 130 continuously or periodically acquires updated weather data along the route, as shown in block 514. Method 500 then loops back to block 508 to continue determining, based on the updated weather data, whether adverse weather is expected along the route. In other words, the navigation system 130 continuously or periodically determines whether adverse weather is expected along the route and determines whether an alternative route is available to avoid the adverse weather.

[0099] Referring back to block 510, if the navigation system 130 determines that bad weather is expected while the vehicle is traveling along the route, method 500 proceeds to block 516. In block 516, the navigation system 130 displays one or more locations where bad weather is expected and asks the user whether to select a different destination. In block 518, if the navigation system 130 determines that the user has selected a different destination, method 500 loops back to block 506 to determine a new route to the different destination and obtains weather data for locations along the new route.

[0100] However, if the navigation system 130 determines that the user has not selected a different destination or has refused to select a different destination, method 500 proceeds to block 520 to determine whether one or more alternative routes to the destination are available that have improved characteristics in relation to bad weather. It should be understood that one or more alternative routes can completely avoid bad weather, have a lower probability of encountering bad weather, or have a shorter expected duration of overlap with bad weather. These routes may have less favorable other characteristics, such as travel time and / or arrival time. If, in block 522, the navigation system 130 determines that one or more alternative routes are available, method 500 proceeds to block 524 shown in Figure 6.

[0101] In block 524, the navigation system 130 determines, based on weather data, whether one or more alternative routes have improved characteristics against adverse weather. If the navigation system 130 determines that no alternative routes with improved characteristics against adverse weather are available, method 500 skips to block 542 shown in Figure 7. However, if the navigation system 130 determines that there is at least one alternative route with improved characteristics against adverse weather, method 500 proceeds to block 528. As described above, alternative routes with improved characteristics against adverse weather may include one or more routes that completely avoid adverse weather, have a low probability of encountering adverse weather, or have a short expected duration of overlap with adverse weather.

[0102] In block 528, the navigation system 130 displays a map on the display screen showing the driving route and an alternative route having improved characteristics for bad weather, and asks the user whether to accept the alternative route to the destination for navigation. For example, exemplary screenshots 1810, 1820, and 1830 of the display screen of the navigation system 130 are shown in Figure 18. As shown in screenshot 1810, the navigation system 130 may warn the user by displaying a notification 1812 on the display screen indicating that bad weather is expected along the driving route. The notification 1812 may further include the option for the user to preview the bad weather on the map by selecting a preview icon 1814, or to change the route to the destination by selecting a route change icon 1816. In response to the determination that the user has selected the preview icon 1814, the navigation system 130 may display the original route 1824 with a weather icon 1822 indicating the location of the expected bad weather, and an alternative route 1826 to the destination, as shown in screenshot 1820. In exemplary embodiments, the navigation system 130 provides the user with the option to click the weather icon 1822 to view detailed weather information, as shown in screenshot 1830. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may display detailed weather information, as shown in screenshot 1830, in response to a determination that the user has selected the preview icon 1814. In such embodiments, the user can view a five-day weather forecast by selecting the five-day forecast icon 1832. In addition, as shown in screenshot 1820, the navigation system 130 may provide the user with the option to dismiss a bad weather warning by selecting the dismiss icon 1822, or to change the route to the destination via an alternative route 1826 by selecting the change route icon 1824.In response to the determination that the user has selected the route change icon 1824, the navigation system 130 begins navigating along the alternative route 1826. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the driving route 1824 and the alternative route 1826 may be color-coded to indicate bad weather (for example, by highlighting a portion of the route in blue to indicate that rain is expected along that portion of the route). If the user does not accept the alternative route for navigation, method 500 skips to block 542 shown in Figure 7. However, if the user accepts the alternative route, method 500 proceeds to block 532 and sets the alternative route as the new driving route for navigation. Once the alternative route is set as the new driving route, the navigation system 130 determines a new estimated time of arrival to the destination, as shown in block 534, and notifies the user of the new estimated time of arrival and the distance along the new driving route.

[0103] It should be understood that if there are two or more alternative routes to avoid bad weather, the navigation system 130 may present the user with the fastest or shortest route. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may present the user with all alternative routes on a map that have a route to be taken, and ask the user to select one of the alternative routes for navigation.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the navigation system 130 provides an option to notify someone that the estimated time of arrival has changed. To this end, in block 536, the navigation system 130 asks the user whether they want to notify someone that the estimated time of arrival has changed. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 538 that a notification request has been received, method 500 proceeds to block 540 and sends a text message to one or more selected contacts. It should be understood that the notification request may include one or more contacts selected by the user to be notified.

[0105] Referring back to block 522, if the navigation system 130 determines that no alternative route to the destination is available, method 500 skips to block 542 shown in Figure 7. In block 542, the navigation system 130 displays a map with the route on the display screen 140 and informs the user how much time the user has before the expected bad weather occurs. Then, as shown in block 544, the navigation system 130 asks the user whether they want to seek lodging before the bad weather occurs. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may ask the user whether they want to select a new destination.

[0106] If the navigation system 130 determines in block 546 that the user has indicated (for example, explicitly or implicitly by not responding to the inquiry) that they do not wish to stay overnight, method 500 proceeds to block 548, navigating the route and continuously updating the user on how much time remains before the expected bad weather occurs. Method 500 then proceeds to block 562, shown in Figure 8, to ask the user whether they wish to notify someone that the expected time of arrival has changed due to the bad weather.

[0107] However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 546 that the user has requested accommodation, method 500 proceeds to block 550 and determines one or more accommodations. The navigation system 130 then presents the accommodations to the user on the display screen 140, as shown in block 552. After that, method 500 proceeds to block 554 in Figure 8.

[0108] In block 554, the navigation system 130 receives a response from the user confirming one of several accommodations presented to the user. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 556 that no user response has been received, method 500 loops back to block 554 and continues to wait for a response. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 556 that a user response has been received, method 500 proceeds to block 558.

[0109] In block 558, the navigation system 130 determines a new route to the selected accommodation. Then, as shown in block 560, the navigation system 130 displays a map with the new route on the display screen 140 and begins navigation to the selected accommodation.

[0110] In block 562, the navigation system 130 asks the user whether they want to notify someone that the estimated time of arrival has changed. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 564 that a notification request has been received, method 500 proceeds to block 566 and sends a text message to one or more selected contacts. It should be understood that the notification request may include one or more contacts selected by the user to be notified.

[0111] Although Method 500 is described as being performed by the navigation system 130, it should be understood that in some examples such Method (in whole or in part) may be performed by one or more processors of a server (e.g., 150). For example, the server may be associated with a service provider network / system that communicates with the vehicle's navigation system 130. In such an embodiment, the user can communicate with the server via the user's computing device (e.g., 160) to plan a trip to avoid bad weather. Furthermore, in other embodiments, Method 500 (i.e., in whole or in part) may be performed by an application running on the computing device (e.g., 160). For example, the computing device may be the user's mobile device.

[0112] Referring here to Figure 9, an exemplary map 900 that may be displayed on the display screen 140 of the navigation system 130 is shown. As described above, the navigation system (e.g., 130) can overlay weather data onto the map and navigate around predicted severe weather based on the weather data. For example, when a user (e.g., the driver / occupant of a vehicle) is using the navigation system 130, the navigation system 130 overlays a weather map onto the route 920. Based on the weather map, the navigation system 130 determines whether severe weather is expected to interfere with the route 920. To this end, the navigation system 130 identifies the predicted severe weather on the map by tracing the boundaries 910 around the severe weather. It should be understood that although only one boundary 910 is shown on the map 900, there may be multiple boundaries shown on the map 900. In addition, it should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more boundaries may be invisible to the user.

[0113] Subsequently, the navigation system 130 can determine whether the driving path intersects with the boundary and predict whether the bad weather pattern intersects with the user's driving path. If an intersection is detected, the navigation system 130 can warn the user and ask if they would like to use a different route to avoid the bad weather. If the user indicates that they would like to use a different route that is not affected by the weather, the navigation system 130 can calculate an alternative route that avoids this intersection. In this example, a portion of the boundary 910 intersects with the driving path 920, indicating that the bad weather is expected to be on the driving path 920. In response, the navigation system 130 determines an alternative route 930 that avoids the bad weather and presents the alternative route 930 to the user.

[0114] As described above, if bad weather is unavoidable, the navigation system 130 may ask the user if they would like to choose a different destination or find accommodation or a safe place to wait for the weather to improve. If the user wishes to route to a different destination, the navigation system 130 may search for points of interest where bad weather is not expected to be encountered over a given period (e.g., the next 12 hours).

[0115] Referring here to Figure 10, a computer implementation method 1000 for dynamic fuel range mapping is shown. Dynamic fuel range mapping allows the user to dynamically and visually track the fuel range during and before a ride. During a ride, the fuel range is dynamically updated and adjusted in near real-time based on at least one of the following: current vehicle parameters, current ride conditions, and how the vehicle is being driven. Before starting a ride, dynamic fuel range mapping can be used while creating a desired route to help determine when to refuel and whether the route can be completed. If the user selects a route in a particular direction and there is a possibility that the fuel will run out before reaching the destination, the navigation system (e.g., 130) will suggest the nearest gas station along the route before the fuel runs out. Thus, by visually displaying the fuel range along the route, the user can plan their ride more accurately and with more confidence.

[0116] In exemplary embodiments, method 1000 is performed by a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130). In block 1002, the navigation system 130 receives a destination from a user (e.g., the driver / occupant or passenger of the vehicle). In exemplary embodiments, the destination may be received via the navigation system 130's display screen (e.g., 140) and / or user interface (e.g., 142). However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the destination may be received via a computing device (e.g., 160) communicatively coupled to the navigation system 130. As described above, the computing device may be a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, computer, notebook, laptop, or any other suitable computing device communicatively coupled to the navigation system to provide data (e.g., user input, weather data, GPS data, and / or map data).

[0117] If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1004 that the destination has not been received, method 1000 loops back to block 1002 and continues to wait for the destination to be received from the user. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 1004 that the destination has been received, method 1000 proceeds to block 1006.

[0118] In block 1006, the navigation system 130 determines the route to the destination. The navigation system 130 then determines one or more current vehicle parameters, as shown in block 1008. Current vehicle parameters may include fuel level and average fuel consumption. Fuel level indicates the percentage of fuel remaining in the vehicle's fuel tank. Examples of fuel include any suitable type of vehicle fuel, such as liquid fuel (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel), gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen, natural gas, propane, butane, or any other gas that may be used instead of liquid fuel), or mixtures thereof. Average fuel consumption may be based on the vehicle's fuel consumption history data (i.e., how far the vehicle has traveled on average at the vehicle's current fuel level). Additionally or alternatively, average fuel consumption may be determined based on the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and / or service history. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 can also determine one or more current riding conditions, as shown in block 1010. Vehicle parameters may further include vehicle history data, fuel type, fuel injector flow rate, throttle position, throttle change rate, and / or vehicle altitude. Current riding conditions may include weather conditions and road conditions. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may perform blocks 1006, 1008, and / or 1010 simultaneously.

[0119] In block 1012, the navigation system 130 dynamically updates the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may dynamically update the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters and one or more current occupancy conditions. The fuel range indicates approximately how far the vehicle can travel on its current fuel level. For example, as shown in Figure 11, Example 1100 shows that with 50% fuel remaining in the vehicle's fuel tank, the vehicle can travel approximately 60 miles (approximately 96.56 km) before needing to refuel (i.e., the fuel range is 60 miles (approximately 96.56 km)). If 25% fuel remains in the vehicle's fuel tank, the fuel range drops to approximately 30 miles (approximately 48.28 km).

[0120] Subsequently, in block 1014, the navigation system 130 displays a map on the display screen 140 of the navigation system 130, which has a route to the destination along with fuel range indicators that show different levels of fuel range (e.g., high, medium, low). For example, the fuel range indicators may be color-coded based on different levels of fuel range. As shown in Figure 11, the estimated fuel range can be shown on the route on the map with green, yellow, and red highlighting lines. A green fuel indicator indicates that the fuel level is above a first threshold fuel level (e.g., 70% or more fuel indicates a high fuel level), a yellow fuel indicator indicates that the fuel level is below the first threshold fuel level but above a second threshold fuel level (e.g., 30-70% fuel indicates an intermediate fuel level), and a red fuel indicator indicates that the fuel level is below a second threshold fuel level (e.g., 30% or less fuel indicates a low fuel level).

[0121] In block 1016, the navigation system 130 determines whether the vehicle can reach its destination without refueling. In block 1018, if the navigation system 130 determines that the vehicle can reach its destination without refueling, method 1000 loops back to block 1008 to determine whether there has been any change in the vehicle's fuel range based on the updated vehicle parameters and / or updated occupancy status.

[0122] However, if in block 1018 the navigation system 130 determines that the vehicle will need to refuel before reaching its destination, method 1000 proceeds to block 1020 to identify one or more gas stations along or near the route where the vehicle may run out of fuel. The navigation system 130 displays a map on the display screen 140 that includes one or more gas stations near the route. In some embodiments, it should be understood that the navigation system 130 can select the gas station closest to the route before running out of fuel. In other embodiments, the user can select a gas station to stop at from one or more possible gas stations near or along the route before reaching the destination. In response, the navigation system 130 adds a new stop to the destination and loops back to block 1008 to update the fuel range index based on the added stop to the destination, updated vehicle parameters, and / or updated occupancy status.

[0123] Referring back to screenshot 1110 in Figure 11, if the user selects Route 1, the user can reach their destination without needing to refuel. However, if the user selects Route 2, the user is notified that there is a gas station 1112 near Route 2 for refueling before reaching the destination. If the user decides to stop at gas station 1112, the navigation system 130 modifies Route 2 to add the new stop and continues the route to the destination.

[0124] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle having a battery that requires charging. In such embodiments, the navigation system 130 may present the user of the electric vehicle with a map similar to that shown in Figure 11, but may also show the remaining battery life of the electric vehicle and charging stations along the route. It should be understood that battery life may depend on the electric vehicle's current / estimated speed and / or weather parameters. The navigation system 130 may determine the remaining battery level of the electric vehicle and notify the user whether they can reach their destination based on the remaining battery level. If the navigation system 130 determines that charging is required to reach the destination, the navigation system 130 may change the vehicle's route to the nearest or most suitable charging station along the route. However, if the user is in an electric vehicle without a destination, the navigation system 130 may show one or more nearby charging stations accessible to the user on the navigation system's display screen, regardless of the electric vehicle's battery life status.

[0125] In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 can communicate with other navigation systems in other electric vehicles. In such embodiments, if the navigation system 130 determines that there is no charging station nearby, or that it is inconvenient or impractical for the electric vehicle to drive to a charging station, the navigation system can warn the electric vehicle to come and help charge the electric vehicle.

[0126] In some embodiments, the electric vehicle may include a battery conservation system that controls the performance of the electric vehicle. In such embodiments, the navigation system 130 can communicate with the battery conservation system to switch to a battery saving mode and limit the performance of the electric vehicle based on the remaining battery life, the location of the nearest charging station, and / or the location of the destination (i.e., a lower maximum speed, and limiting the use of certain accessories such as audio, lighting, charging ports, and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus accessories).

[0127] Although Method 1000 is described as being performed by the navigation system 130, it should be understood that in some examples, such Method (in whole or in part) may be performed by one or more processors of a server (e.g., 150). For example, the server may be associated with a service provider network / system that communicates with the vehicle's navigation system 130. In such an embodiment, the user can communicate with the server via their computing device (e.g., 160) to plan their trip. Furthermore, in other embodiments, Method 1000 (i.e., in whole or in part) may be performed by an application running on the computing device (e.g., 160). For example, the computing device may be the user's mobile device.

[0128] Next, referring to Figures 12-15, a computer implementation method 1200 for setting delayed-start navigation to arrive at a destination on time is shown. In exemplary embodiments, method 1200 is performed by a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130). For this purpose, in block 1202, the navigation system 130 receives the destination from a user (e.g., the driver / occupant or passenger of the vehicle). In exemplary embodiments, the destination may be received via the navigation system 130's display screen (e.g., 140) and / or user interface (e.g., 142). However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the destination may be received via a computing device (e.g., 160) communicatively coupled to the navigation system 130. As described above, the computing device may be a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, computer, notebook, laptop, or any other suitable computing device communicatively coupled to the navigation system to provide data (e.g., user input, weather data, GPS data, and / or map data).

[0129] If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1204 that the destination has not been received, method 1200 loops back to block 1202 and continues to wait for the destination to be received from the user. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 1204 that the destination has been received, method 1200 proceeds to block 1206.

[0130] In block 1206, the navigation system 130 determines different routes to the destination and displays maps with these different routes on a display screen (e.g., 140). Subsequently, in block 1208, the navigation system 130 receives the route selected by the user.

[0131] If the navigation system 130 determines that the user has not selected a route to the destination, method 1200 loops back to block 1208 and continues to wait for the user to select a route. However, if the navigation system 130 determines that the user has selected a route, method 1200 proceeds to block 1212.

[0132] In block 1212, the navigation system 130 displays icons for the user to select in order to input a desired arrival time to arrive at the destination via the selected route. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1214 that a desired arrival time has not been received, method 1200 proceeds to block 1216 and starts navigation to the destination via the selected route.

[0133] However, if the navigation system 130 determines that the desired arrival time has been received, method 1200 skips to block 1218 shown in Figure 13. In block 1218, the navigation system 130 sets the desired arrival time and starts delayed navigation.

[0134] Next, the navigation system 130 determines whether the user has requested that navigation begin immediately or has canceled the delayed-start navigation. If the navigation system 130 determines that such a request was received in block 1222, the method skips to block 1240 shown in Figure 15 to determine whether the user has requested that the delayed-start navigation be canceled. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1240 that the user has requested that the delayed-start navigation be canceled, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1242 to cancel the delayed-start navigation and loops back to block 1202 to receive a new destination from the user. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 1240 that the user has not requested that the delayed-start navigation be canceled, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1244 and immediately begins navigation to the destination via the selected route.

[0135] Referring back to block 1222, if the navigation system 130 determines that it has not received a request to immediately start navigation or a request to cancel delayed-start navigation, method 1200 proceeds to block 1224. In block 1224, the navigation system 130 determines the current location and the travel time to the destination via a route selected based on the current location. The travel time indicates the approximate time required for the vehicle to travel from the current location to the destination via the selected route at the current time. In an exemplary embodiment, the navigation system 130 takes into account the traffic volume along the selected route when determining the travel time. Traffic volume data may be received continuously or periodically from a server (e.g., 150) and / or a computing device (e.g., 160).

[0136] Subsequently, in block 1226, the navigation system 130 determines the departure time based on the travel time. The departure time indicates the time at which the user must depart in order to arrive at the destination on time (i.e., at the desired arrival time). The navigation system 130 further determines whether the departure time is within a predetermined period (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes) from the current time. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1230 that the departure time is not within the predetermined period, method 1200 loops back to block 1220 to determine (i) whether the user has requested to start navigation immediately or has canceled delayed-start navigation, and (ii) update the departure time based on the new current location and updated travel time, and continues to determine whether the updated departure time is within the predetermined period.

[0137] However, if in block 1230 the navigation system 130 determines that the departure time is within a predetermined period, method 1200 proceeds to block 1232 shown in Figure 14. In block 1232, the navigation system 130 notifies the user that the user needs to depart for the destination after a predetermined period. Subsequently, the navigation system 130 receives a request from the user to start navigation to the destination via the selected route, as shown in block 1234. If in block 1236 the navigation system 130 determines that no navigation request has been received, method 1200 loops back to block 1232 to continue notifying the user that it is time to depart for the destination. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may provide a snooze function, which should be understood to allow the user to snooze or delay navigation for a predetermined period. However, if the navigation system 130 determines that a navigation request has been received, method 1200 proceeds to block 1238 to start navigation from the current location to the destination via the selected route. Furthermore, in other embodiments, Method 1200 (i.e., all or part of Method 1200) may be executed by an application running on a computing device (e.g., 160). For example, the computing device may be a user's mobile device.

[0138] For example, Figure 16 shows exemplary screenshots 1600, 1610, and 1620 of the display screen 140 of the navigation system 130. As shown in screenshot 1600, three different driving routes are presented to the user, and the user selects a route that emphasizes scenery. The user can then select the arrival time setting icon 1602 by tapping the arrival time setting icon 1602 to set the desired arrival time. Once the arrival time setting icon 1602 is selected, a time selector 1612 pops up on the display screen 140, as shown in screenshot 1610, allowing the user to enter the desired arrival time. In this example, the user selects 3:00 PM as the desired arrival time.

[0139] The presence of the delayed start navigation icon 1622 in screenshot 1620 indicates that a desired arrival time has been set. The departure time and travel time are also displayed next to the delayed start navigation icon 1622. "Navigation start: 1:45 PM (1 hour 21 minutes)" indicates that the departure time is 1:45 PM and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 21 minutes. When the user selects the delayed start navigation icon 1622, a pop-up screen 1624 appears indicating "Navigation will begin at 1:45 PM for an arrival of 3:00 PM" based on the current location, and the user is given the option to start navigation immediately or cancel the delayed start navigation.

[0140] In exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the display screen is a touchscreen. The user can select the arrival time setting icon 1602 or enter user input into the navigation system 130 via an alternative user interface of the navigation system 130 and / or a computing device (e.g., 160).

[0141] Referring here to Figure 17, an exemplary screenshot 1700 shows the display screen of a navigation system (e.g., 130) of a vehicle (e.g., 120) that needs to navigate away from congested traffic. For this purpose, the navigation system 130 monitors traffic patterns and calculates various routes to display shortcuts to local highway ramps with traffic volume indicators. In embodiments, traffic volume information may be provided by retrieving traffic volume information, such as traffic volume and / or traffic speed, from a traffic server, such as a third-party service. For example, the navigation system may provide a list of locations 1702 (e.g., airports, banks, highways, medical facilities, and parking lots). These locations can be pre-programmed to be common or popular places that the user is likely to search for. Alternatively or additionally, the list of locations may be customized to locations that the vehicle's user has previously searched for. As shown in screenshot 1700, if the user selects “Highway” from list 1702, a list of nearby highways 1704 appears to the right of list 1702. For each highway, the navigation system determines the distance to the nearest on-ramp and indicates its approximate direction from the vehicle's current location. If a highway has two or more routes (e.g., northbound / southbound or eastbound / westbound), the navigation system also displays highway route options, such as indicated as “North,” “South,” “East,” and “West.” For example, as shown in screenshot 1700, the on-ramp closest to I-280 is approximately 3.7 miles (approximately 5.95 km) north of the vehicle’s current location, and the user has the option of entering either northbound or southbound. In an exemplary embodiment, the navigation system further determines the traffic conditions for each highway route and indicates this on the navigation system’s display screen using color indicators (e.g., a green indicator 1704 indicating light traffic, a red indicator 1706 indicating heavy traffic).

[0142] Referring here to Figures 19 and 20, a computer implementation method 1900 for providing route recommendations to available or accessible intermediate points is shown. In exemplary embodiments, method 1900 is performed by a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130). However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, method 1900 may be performed by a computing device (e.g., 160). As stated above, the computing device may be a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, computer, notebook, laptop, or any other suitable computing device that is communicatively coupled to the navigation system to provide data (e.g., user input, weather data, GPS data, and / or map data).

[0143] To this end, in block 1902, the navigation system 130 obtains time availability or accessibility information for intermediate stops. In some embodiments, time availability or accessibility information may be received from the user (e.g., user feedback), as shown in block 1904. For example, the user may provide feedback during or after the ride on whether one or more intermediate stops were available during the ride. Additionally or alternatively, the navigation system 130 may prompt the user with one or more questions to collect availability or accessibility information. For example, to collect intermediate stop data, it may prompt the user with questions such as, "Was this destination open?" or "Was this destination accessible?" Additionally or alternatively, in block 1906, time availability or accessibility information for intermediate stops may be obtained from one or more third-party services. For example, a party associated with an intermediate stop may provide when it is open or accessible (e.g., available time during the day and / or year) and one or more accessible routes to reach that location. In some embodiments, the third-party service may include a booking service. In such an embodiment, the navigation system 130 can communicate with a reservation service to obtain time availability or accessibility information for intermediate points.

[0144] After obtaining information on the time availability or accessibility of intermediate points, the navigation system 130 stores or updates intermediate point data accordingly. Such intermediate point data can be stored in the navigation system's database (e.g., 134) and / or in the server's database (e.g., 150). The intermediate point data may be accessible by one or more navigation systems and / or computing devices.

[0145] In block 1910, the navigation system 130 presents the user with one or more intermediate points. It should be understood that these intermediate points may be presented to the user on a display screen in the vehicle 120 (e.g., 140) and / or on a display screen of a computing device (e.g., 160). To this end, the navigation system 130 can determine which intermediate points to present to the user based on the user's location, as shown in block 1912. Additionally or alternatively, intermediate points may be determined based on a destination received from the user, as shown in block 1914. For example, the user may specify the type of destination and / or intermediate points where the user wishes to stop on the way to the destination (e.g., food stops, restaurants, maintenance / gear shops, gas stations, information centers, and / or scenic viewpoints). In response, the navigation system 130 can present the user with one or more intermediate points based on the user's preferences.

[0146] In block 1916, the navigation system 130 receives a selection of one or more intermediate points from the user. If the navigation system 130 determines in block 1918 shown in Figure 20 that no selection has been received, method 1900 loops back to block 1916 and continues to wait for a selection of one or more intermediate points from the user. However, if the navigation system 130 determines in block 1918 that a selection has been received, method 1900 proceeds to block 1920.

[0147] In block 1920, for each selected intermediate point, the navigation system 130 determines, based on intermediate point data, whether the selected intermediate point is available and / or accessible. For example, the navigation system 130 may determine whether the intermediate point is open or otherwise available based on the estimated time of arrival to the selected intermediate point (e.g., hour, day, month, and / or year). If the navigation system 130 determines that the selected intermediate point is open or otherwise available based on the intermediate point data, the navigation system 130 may further determine whether it is accessible via the vehicle the user is riding in (e.g., 120). It should be understood that such determination may be based on the time of year (e.g., season) or the current weather. For example, some scenic viewpoints or routes to such scenic viewpoints may only be available and accessible during certain times of the year and / or certain weather conditions.

[0148] If, in block 1922, the navigation system 130 determines that the selected intermediate point is available and / or accessible, method 1900 proceeds to block 1924. In block 1924, the navigation system 130 searches for one or more routes to the selected intermediate point. The navigation system 130 then displays one or more routes to the user. It should be understood that one or more routes may be presented to the user on a display screen of the vehicle 120 (e.g., 140) and / or on a display screen of a computing device (e.g., 160). In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may further provide the user with recommended routes (e.g., the shortest, fastest, and / or safest routes based on user preferences).

[0149] Referring back to block 1922, if the navigation system 130 determines that the selected intermediate point is unavailable and / or inaccessible, method 1900 skips to block 1930. In block 1930, the navigation system 130 informs the user that the selected intermediate point is unavailable and / or inaccessible. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may provide the availability of the selected intermediate point so that the user can plan accordingly. In some embodiments, the navigation system 130 may determine one or more available and accessible recommended intermediate points based on the type of the selected intermediate point. In such embodiments, the navigation system 130 may present the recommended intermediate points to the user, as shown in block 1934. Method 1900 then loops back to block 1916 to await the user's selection of an intermediate point.

[0150] Although Method 1900 is described as being performed by the navigation system 130, it should be understood that in some examples such a method (i.e., all or part of Method 1900) may be performed by an application running on a computing device (e.g., 160). For example, the computing device may be the user's mobile device.

[0151] Referring here to Figure 21, illustrative screenshots 2110, 2120 of the display screen (e.g., 140) of a vehicle's (e.g., 120) navigation system (e.g., 130) for providing route recommendations to destinations with intermediate points available or accessible seasonally are shown. For example, some routes and destinations may only be available during certain seasons. Destinations may include food stops, restaurants, maintenance / gear shops, gas stations, information centers, and / or scenic viewpoints. To this end, the navigation system (e.g., 130) or computing device (e.g., 160) may prompt the user with one or more questions to collect seasonal route data. For example, to collect seasonal route data and generate one or more route recommendations, the user may be prompted with questions such as, "Was it possible to access here in the summer?" or "Was this destination open in the summer?". Such data may be shared with friends and / or the public to generate route recommendations to destinations using intermediate points available or accessible seasonally.

[0152] In some embodiments, when a vehicle user selects a destination on the vehicle's navigation system, the navigation system can determine whether the selected destination is available or accessible based on the current season of the destination. If available, the navigation system can search for one or more recommended routes to the destination based on seasonal route data. For example, screenshots 2110 and 2120 show route recommendations that may be presented to the user on the vehicle's display screen. Screenshot 2110 shows a recommended route for summer, and screenshot 2120 shows a recommended route for winter.

[0153] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the user can select a destination on a computing device (e.g., 160), and the computing device can determine whether the selected destination is available or accessible based on the current season of the destination, and generate one or more route recommendations with available or accessible intermediate points. In such embodiments, screenshots 2110, 2120 may be screenshots of the display screen of the computing device. Furthermore, if the user is planning a future trip, the user can select a date or month that includes the destination, and the computing device can determine whether the destination is available or accessible at the selected time of year.

[0154] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the compositions of the present invention. Since many embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the present invention falls within the claims appended below.

[0155] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0156] [Embodiment 1] A navigation system for dynamically planning a driving route using weather data for recreational vehicles, wherein the navigation system is: Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, Receiving the destination from the user, To determine the route to the aforementioned destination, To acquire weather data at locations along the aforementioned travel route, Based on the aforementioned weather data and estimated arrival time, the driving route is displayed along with a weather index along the driving route, wherein the weather index indicates the predicted weather when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the driving route. The alternative route to the aforementioned destination will be displayed along with weather indicators and a new estimated time of arrival along the alternative route. Receiving a request to set the aforementioned alternative route as the new travel route, To provide navigation to the destination via the aforementioned new route, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

[0157] [Embodiment 2] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will Based on the aforementioned weather data, the estimated time of arrival at the destination via the aforementioned route is determined, Based on the weather data, a new estimated time of arrival to the destination via the alternative route is determined. This further includes an order to carry out, Displaying the aforementioned travel route along with weather indicators includes displaying the aforementioned travel route along with the estimated arrival time and weather indicators, and displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the weather indicators includes displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the new estimated arrival time and weather indicators. The navigation system according to Embodiment 1.

[0158] [Embodiment 3] The navigation system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the weather indicator includes a color code indicating the probability of precipitation when the recreational vehicle reaches each position along the driving route.

[0159] [Embodiment 4] The navigation system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the memory further includes instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to prompt the user whether to display an alternative route based on the weather indicator.

[0160] [Embodiment 5] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will Acquiring updated weather data continuously or periodically, To determine any predicted changes in weather along the aforementioned travel route, In response to the determination of any change in the predicted weather, the route is displayed along with updated weather indicators and an updated estimated time of arrival. The navigation system according to Embodiment 1, further including instructions for performing the following actions.

[0161] [Embodiment 6] A method for dynamically planning a driving route using weather data for recreational vehicles, wherein the method is: The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives a destination from the user; The navigation system determines the driving route to the destination, The navigation system acquires weather data for locations along the driving route, The navigation system provides a step of displaying the driving route along with weather indicators along the driving route based on the weather data, wherein the weather indicators indicate the predicted weather when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the driving route. The navigation system provides a step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the weather indicators along the alternative route. The navigation system receives a request to set the alternative route as a new driving route. The steps include: using the navigation system to navigate to the destination via the new route; Methods that include...

[0162] [Embodiment 7] The aforementioned method, The navigation system performs the steps of determining an estimated time of arrival at the destination via the aforementioned route based on the weather data, The navigation system determines a new estimated time of arrival to the destination via the alternative route based on the weather data. It further includes, The step of displaying the driving route along with weather indicators along the driving route includes the step of displaying the driving route along with the estimated arrival time and weather indicators, and the step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the weather indicators includes the step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the new estimated arrival time and weather indicators. The method described in Embodiment 6.

[0163] [Embodiment 8] The method according to paragraph 6, wherein the weather indicator includes a color code indicating the probability of precipitation when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the route.

[0164] [Embodiment 9] The method according to Embodiment 6, further comprising the step of the navigation system asking the user whether to display an alternative route based on the weather indicator.

[0165] [Embodiment 10] The aforementioned method, The navigation system acquires updated weather data continuously or periodically. The navigation system determines any predicted changes in weather along the driving route, In response to the determination of any change in the predicted weather, the navigation system displays the route along with updated weather indicators and an updated estimated time of arrival. The method according to Embodiment 6, further comprising:

[0166] [Embodiment 11] A navigation system for dynamically navigating the surroundings in adverse weather conditions for recreational vehicles, wherein the navigation system is: Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, Receiving the destination from the user, To determine the route to the aforementioned destination, To acquire weather data at locations along the aforementioned travel route, Based on the aforementioned weather data, determine whether bad weather is expected along the aforementioned travel route, In response to the determination that the aforementioned bad weather is expected, it is determined whether an alternative route to the destination is available to avoid the aforementioned bad weather, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

[0167] [Embodiment 12] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will In response to the determination that the alternative route is available, the alternative route is displayed to the user. Receiving a request to set the aforementioned alternative route as the new travel route, To provide navigation to the destination via the aforementioned new route, The navigation system according to embodiment 11, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0168] [Embodiment 13] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will In response to the determination that the alternative route is unavailable, the system notifies the user of how much time they have before the expected severe weather occurs. To ask the user whether they would like to stay overnight before bad weather occurs, In response to receiving a request for accommodation, determine one or more accommodations, Displaying one or more of the aforementioned accommodations, Receiving a response from the user indicating a selected accommodation from the one or more accommodations, To determine a new route to the aforementioned selected accommodation, The navigation system according to embodiment 11, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0169] [Embodiment 14] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will The user is asked whether they want to notify someone that the estimated arrival time has changed, Receiving a response from the user requesting that one or more contacts be notified, In response to receiving the aforementioned response, send a message to one or more of the aforementioned contacts, The navigation system according to embodiment 11, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0170] [Embodiment 15] A method for dynamically navigating the surroundings in adverse weather conditions for an entertainment vehicle, wherein the method is: The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives a destination from the user; The navigation system determines the driving route to the destination, The navigation system acquires weather data for locations along the driving route, The navigation system performs the step of determining, based on the weather data, whether bad weather is expected along the driving route. In response to the determination that adverse weather is expected, the navigation system determines whether an alternative route to the destination is available to avoid the adverse weather; Methods that include...

[0171] [Embodiment 16] The aforementioned method, The navigation system, in response to a determination that the alternative route is available, displays the alternative route to the user. The navigation system receives a request to set the alternative route as a new driving route. The steps include: using the navigation system to navigate to the destination via the new route; The method according to Embodiment 15, further comprising:

[0172] [Embodiment 17] The aforementioned method, In response to the determination that the alternative route is unavailable, the navigation system notifies the user how much time the user has before the expected bad weather occurs. The navigation system includes a step of asking the user whether they wish to seek accommodation before bad weather occurs, In response to receiving a request for accommodation, the navigation system determines one or more accommodation locations. The navigation system provides a step of displaying one or more accommodations, The navigation system receives a response from the user indicating a selected accommodation from the one or more accommodations, The navigation system determines a new route to the selected accommodation, The method according to Embodiment 15, further comprising:

[0173] [Embodiment 18] The aforementioned method, The navigation system includes the step of asking the user whether they want to notify someone that the estimated time of arrival has changed, The navigation system receives a response from the user requesting that one or more contacts be notified. In response to receiving the aforementioned response, the navigation system sends a message to one or more of the contacts. The method according to Embodiment 15, further comprising:

[0174] [Embodiment 19] A navigation system for dynamic fuel range mapping for recreational vehicles, wherein the navigation system is Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, Receiving the destination from the user, To determine the route to the aforementioned destination, Determining one or more current vehicle parameters, Dynamically updating the fuel range based on one or more of the aforementioned current vehicle parameters, To generate a visual map on the display screen that has a fuel range indicator showing different levels of fuel range, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

[0175] [Embodiment 20] The aforementioned fuel range indicates approximately how far the recreational vehicle can travel with its current fuel level, according to the navigation system of Embodiment 19.

[0176] [Embodiment 21] The navigation system according to embodiment 19, wherein the one or more current vehicle parameters include fuel level and average fuel consumption.

[0177] [Embodiment 22] The navigation system according to Embodiment 19, wherein the memory further includes instructions for the processor to determine one or more current occupancy states when executed by the processor, and dynamically updating the fuel range includes dynamically updating the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters and one or more current occupancy states.

[0178] [Embodiment 23] The navigation system according to Embodiment 22, wherein the one or more current riding conditions include weather conditions and road conditions.

[0179] [Embodiment 24] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will To determine whether the recreational vehicle can travel along the aforementioned route to the destination without refueling, Identifying gas stations near the route where the aforementioned recreational vehicle may run out of fuel, Displaying the gas station on the visual map on the display screen, To determine a new route that includes a new stop at the aforementioned gas station, The navigation system according to embodiment 19, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0180] [Embodiment 25] The navigation system according to embodiment 24, wherein the gas station is located closest to the driving route before running out of fuel.

[0181] [Embodiment 26] The navigation system according to Embodiment 24, wherein the memory further includes instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to ask the user whether to add an additional stop to the gas station before reaching the destination.

[0182] [Embodiment 27] The navigation system according to Embodiment 24, wherein the memory further includes instructions for the processor to update the fuel range based on additional stops to the destination, updated vehicle parameters, and / or updated occupancy conditions, when executed by the processor.

[0183] [Embodiment 28] A method for dynamic fuel range mapping for recreational vehicles, wherein the method is The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives a destination from the user; The navigation system determines the driving route to the destination, The navigation system includes the steps of determining one or more current vehicle parameters, The navigation system dynamically updates the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters, The navigation system includes the steps of generating a visual map on a display screen having fuel range indicators that show different levels of fuel range, Methods that include...

[0184] [Embodiment 29] The fuel range is the method according to Embodiment 28, which indicates approximately how far the recreational vehicle can travel at the current fuel level.

[0185] [Embodiment 30] The method according to Embodiment 28, wherein the one or more current vehicle parameters include fuel level and average fuel consumption.

[0186] [Embodiment 31] The method according to Embodiment 28, further comprising the step of determining one or more current occupancy conditions, wherein the step of dynamically updating the fuel range includes the step of dynamically updating the fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters and the one or more current occupancy conditions.

[0187] [Embodiment 32] The method according to Embodiment 31, wherein the one or more current riding conditions include weather conditions and road conditions.

[0188] [Embodiment 33] The aforementioned method, The navigation system determines whether the recreational vehicle can travel along the route to the destination without refueling, The navigation system identifies gas stations near the route where the recreational vehicle may run out of fuel; The navigation system includes the step of displaying the gas station on the visual map on the display screen, The navigation system determines a new driving route, including a new stop at the gas station. The method according to Embodiment 28, further comprising:

[0189] [Embodiment 34] The method according to Embodiment 33, wherein the gas station is located closest to the driving route before running out of fuel.

[0190] [Embodiment 35] The method according to Embodiment 33, further comprising the step of the navigation system asking the user whether to add an additional stop to the gas station before reaching the destination.

[0191] [Embodiment 36] The method according to Embodiment 34, further comprising the step of updating the fuel range indicator based on additional stops to the destination, updated vehicle parameters, and / or updated ride conditions, by the navigation system.

[0192] [Embodiment 37] A navigation system that predicts the departure time for an entertainment vehicle to arrive at its destination on time, wherein the navigation system is: Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, The system receives the desired arrival time at the destination via the selected route, To initiate delayed-start navigation, The current location and the travel time to the destination via the selected travel route based on the current location are determined. The departure time is determined based on the aforementioned travel time, To determine whether the aforementioned departure time falls within a predetermined period from the current time, To notify the user that the aforementioned departure time is approaching, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

[0193] [Embodiment 38] The navigation system according to Embodiment 37, wherein the aforementioned travel time indicates the approximate time required for the recreational vehicle to travel from its current location to its destination via the selected travel route at the current time.

[0194] [Embodiment 39] The navigation system according to Embodiment 37, wherein the departure time indicates the time at which the user must depart for the destination in order to arrive at the desired arrival time.

[0195] [Embodiment 40] The navigation system according to embodiment 37, wherein determining the travel time to the destination includes determining the travel time to the destination based on the current location and the traffic volume along the selected travel route at the current time.

[0196] [Embodiment 41] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will Receiving the destination from the user, To determine one or more travel routes to the aforementioned destination, Receiving the selected travel route from one or more travel routes selected by the user, The navigation system according to embodiment 37, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0197] [Embodiment 42] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will Determine whether the user requested to start the navigation immediately or canceled the delayed start navigation, In response to the determination that the user has requested to immediately start the navigation, the system starts navigation to the destination via the selected route. In response to the determination that the user has requested to cancel the delayed-start navigation, the delayed-start navigation is deactivated. The navigation system according to embodiment 37, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0198] [Embodiment 43] When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will In response to the notification to the user that the departure time is approaching, the system receives a request from the user to start navigation. To start navigation to the destination via the selected route, The navigation system according to embodiment 37, further including instructions for causing the system to perform the following actions.

[0199] [Embodiment 44] A method for predicting the departure time for an entertainment vehicle to arrive at its destination on time, wherein the method is: The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives the desired time of arrival at the destination via the selected route, The navigation system includes the step of initiating delayed-start navigation, The navigation system includes the steps of determining the current location and the travel time to the destination via the selected route based on the current location, The navigation system determines the departure time based on the driving time, The navigation system includes the step of determining whether the departure time falls within a predetermined period from the current time, The navigation system notifies the user that the departure time is approaching. Methods that include...

[0200] [Embodiment 45] The method according to Embodiment 44, wherein the travel time indicates the approximate time required for the recreational vehicle to travel from its current location to its destination via the selected travel route at the current time.

[0201] [Embodiment 46] The method according to Embodiment 44, wherein the departure time indicates the time at which the user must depart for the destination in order to arrive at the desired arrival time.

[0202] [Embodiment 47] The method according to Embodiment 44, wherein the step of determining the travel time to the destination includes determining the travel time to the destination based on the current location and the traffic volume along the selected travel route at the current time.

[0203] [Embodiment 48] The aforementioned method, The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives the destination from the user, The navigation system determines one or more driving routes to the destination, The navigation system includes the step of receiving the selected driving route from one or more driving routes selected by the user, The method according to Embodiment 44, further comprising:

[0204] [Embodiment 49] The aforementioned method, The navigation system determines whether the user has requested to start navigation immediately or has canceled the delayed-start navigation. In response to the determination that the user has requested to immediately begin the navigation, the navigation system starts navigating to the destination via the selected route; In response to a determination that the user has requested to cancel the delayed-start navigation, the navigation system deactivates the delayed-start navigation. The method according to Embodiment 44, further comprising:

[0205] [Embodiment 50] The aforementioned method, In response to notifying the user that the departure time is approaching, the navigation system receives a request from the user to start navigation. The steps include: starting navigation to the destination via the selected route using the navigation system; The method according to Embodiment 44, further comprising:

[0206] [Embodiment 51] A navigation system for navigating to a place of interest, wherein the navigation system is Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, To determine the first list of places of interest, Displaying the first list on the display screen to the user of the entertainment vehicle, Receiving locations of interest selected by the user from the aforementioned first list, Determining a second list associated with the location of interest, wherein the second list includes one or more neighboring locations of the location of interest, Displaying the second list on the aforementioned display screen, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

[0207] [Embodiment 52] The navigation system according to Embodiment 51, wherein determining a first list of locations of interest includes determining one or more locations that the user of the recreation vehicle may and / or has previously searched for.

[0208] [Embodiment 53] The navigation system according to Embodiment 51, wherein the first list of locations of interest includes at least one of airports, banks, highways, medical services, and parking lots.

[0209] [Embodiment 54] Determining the second list includes determining the distance and direction to each of the one or more nearby locations of the place of interest relative to the current position of the entertainment vehicle, and displaying the second list includes displaying the distance and the direction to each of the one or more nearby locations of the place of interest relative to the current position of the entertainment vehicle. The navigation system according to Embodiment 51.

[0210] [Embodiment 55] When executed by the processor, the memory further includes instructions for causing the processor to determine the traffic conditions of the one or more nearby locations of the place of interest, and displaying the second list includes displaying the one or more nearby locations of the place of interest together with the corresponding traffic conditions. The navigation system according to Embodiment 51.

[0211] [Embodiment 56] The traffic conditions are color-coded. The navigation system according to Embodiment 55.

[0212] [Embodiment 57] A method for navigating to a place of interest, the method comprising: Determining, by the navigation system, a first list of places of interest; Displaying, by the navigation system, the first list to a user of the entertainment vehicle; Receiving, by the navigation system, a place of interest selected by the user from the first list; Determining, by the navigation system, a second list associated with the place of interest, the second list including one or more nearby locations of the place of interest; Displaying, by the navigation system, the second list; And including.

[0213] [Embodiment 58] The method according to Embodiment 57, wherein the step of determining the first list of places of interest includes determining one or more places that the user of the recreation vehicle may and / or has previously searched for.

[0214] [Embodiment 59] The first list of locations of interest includes at least one of airports, banks, highways, medical services, and parking lots, according to Embodiment 57.

[0215] [Embodiment 60] The method according to Embodiment 57, wherein the step of determining the second list includes determining the distance and direction to each of the one or more neighboring locations of the place of interest with respect to the current location of the recreation vehicle, and the step of displaying the second list includes displaying the distance and direction to each of the one or more neighboring locations of the place of interest with respect to the current location of the recreation vehicle.

[0216] [Embodiment 61] The method according to Embodiment 57, further comprising the step of determining the traffic conditions of one or more nearby locations of the place of interest using the navigation system, wherein the step of displaying the second list includes displaying the one or more nearby locations of the place of interest along with the corresponding traffic conditions.

[0217] [Embodiment 62] The aforementioned traffic conditions are color-coded, according to the method of embodiment 61.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically planning a driving route using weather data for recreational vehicles, The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives a destination from the user; The navigation system determines the driving route to the destination, The navigation system acquires weather data for locations along the driving route, The navigation system includes the steps of determining one or more current vehicle parameters, The navigation system dynamically updates the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters. The navigation system displays the driving route along with a weather index along the driving route based on the weather data and fuel range index, wherein the weather index indicates the predicted weather when the recreational vehicle reaches each location along the driving route. The navigation system provides a navigation system that displays an alternative route to the destination, along with weather indicators and fuel range indicators showing different levels of fuel range along the alternative route. The navigation system receives a request to set the alternative route as a new driving route. The steps include: using the navigation system to navigate to the destination via the new route; Methods that include...

2. The navigation system performs the steps of determining an estimated time of arrival at the destination via the aforementioned route based on the weather data, The navigation system determines a new estimated time of arrival to the destination via the alternative route based on the weather data. It further includes, The step of displaying the driving route along with weather indicators and fuel range indicators along the driving route includes the step of displaying the driving route along with the estimated arrival time, weather indicators and fuel range indicators, and the step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the weather indicators and fuel range indicators includes the step of displaying an alternative route to the destination along with the new estimated arrival time, weather indicators and fuel range indicators. The method according to claim 1.

3. The method according to item 1, wherein the weather indicator includes a color code indicating the probability of precipitation when the recreational vehicle reaches each position along the route.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the navigation system asking the user whether to display an alternative route based on the weather indicator.

5. The navigation system acquires updated weather data continuously or periodically. The navigation system determines any predicted changes in weather along the driving route, In response to the determination of any change in the predicted weather, the navigation system displays the route along with updated weather indicators and an updated estimated time of arrival. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more current vehicle parameters include fuel level and average fuel consumption.

7. A navigation system for dynamic fuel range mapping for recreational vehicles, Display screen and Processor and Memory and The memory includes, when executed by the processor, the processor, Receiving the destination from the user, To determine the route to the aforementioned destination, Determining one or more current vehicle parameters, Dynamically updating the fuel range based on one or more of the aforementioned current vehicle parameters, To generate a visual map on the display screen that has a fuel range indicator showing different levels of fuel range, A navigation system that includes commands to perform certain actions.

8. The navigation system according to claim 7, wherein the fuel range indicates approximately how far the recreational vehicle can travel with its current fuel level.

9. The navigation system according to claim 7, wherein the memory, when executed by the processor, further includes instructions causing the processor to determine one or more current occupancy conditions, and dynamically updating the fuel range includes dynamically updating the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters and one or more current occupancy conditions, the one or more current occupancy conditions include weather conditions and road conditions.

10. When the aforementioned memory is executed by the processor, the processor will To determine whether the recreational vehicle can travel along the aforementioned route to the destination without refueling, Identifying gas stations near the route where the aforementioned recreational vehicle may run out of fuel, Displaying the gas station on the visual map on the display screen, To determine a new route that includes a new stop at the aforementioned gas station, The navigation system according to claim 7, further comprising commands for causing the system to perform the following actions.

11. The navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the memory further includes, when executed by the processor, an instruction causing the processor to ask the user whether to add an additional stop to the gas station before reaching the destination.

12. The navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the memory further includes instructions, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to update the fuel range based on additional stops to the destination, one or more updated vehicle parameters, and / or one or more updated occupancy conditions.

13. A method for dynamic fuel range mapping for recreational vehicles, The navigation system of the aforementioned recreational vehicle receives a destination from the user; The navigation system determines the driving route to the destination, The navigation system includes the steps of determining one or more current vehicle parameters, The navigation system dynamically updates the fuel range based on one or more current vehicle parameters. The navigation system includes the steps of generating a visual map on a display screen having fuel range indicators that show different levels of fuel range, Methods that include...

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fuel range indicates approximately how far the recreational vehicle can travel at its current fuel level.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of determining one or more current occupancy conditions, wherein the step of dynamically updating the fuel range includes the step of dynamically updating the fuel range based on the one or more current vehicle parameters and the one or more current occupancy conditions.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the one or more current riding conditions include weather conditions and road conditions.

17. The navigation system determines whether the recreational vehicle can travel along the route to the destination without refueling, The navigation system identifies gas stations near the route where the recreational vehicle may run out of fuel; The navigation system includes the step of displaying the gas station on the visual map on the display screen, The navigation system determines a new driving route, including a new stop at the gas station. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

Images