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`US007268703B 1
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Kabel et al.
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`Sep.11,2007
`
`(54) METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR
`CARTOGRAPHIC ALERTS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Darrin W. Kabel, Overland Park, KS
`(US); Steven J. Myers, Edgerton, KS
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Garmin Ltd. (KY)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 71 days.
`
`JP
`
`5,559,707 A
`5,592,382 A
`5,635,924 A
`5,684,476 A
`5,872,526 A
`5,878,368 A
`5,893,081 A
`
`9/1996 DeLorme et al.
`1/1997 Colley ........................ 701/207
`6/1997 Tran et al.
`11/1997 Anderson ................... 340/988
`2/1999 Tognazzini ................. 340/961
`3/1999 DeGraaf
`411999 Poppen
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2002-288800 A * 10/2002
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/667,026
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 18, 2003
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B60L 3100
`(2006.01)
`G06F 7100
`(2006.01)
`G06F 17110
`(2006.01)
`GOSB 23100
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................... 340/984; 701/21; 701/301
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............. 340/686.6,
`340/995.1, 984, 985, 851, 539.13, 539.2,
`340/539.22, 7.56, 825.36, 961, 995.11, 850;
`367/909, 87-116; 342/41, 357.13; 701/21,
`701/201, 301, 211
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,886,487 A *
`4,323,992 A *
`4,340,936 A *
`4,646,244 A
`4,873,676 A *
`4,893,127 A *
`5,220,507 A
`5,339,085 A
`5,398,188 A
`5,470,233 A
`5,543,789 A
`
`5/1975 Walsh et al ................... 367/92
`4/1982 Tobin, Jr .................... 367/108
`7I1982 Mounce ...................... 701/200
`2/1987 Bateman et al. ............ 364/461
`10/ 1989 Bailey et al.
`................. 367 /98
`1/1990 Clark et al. ................. 342/386
`611993 Kirson
`8/1994 Katoh et al ................. 342/180
`3/1995 Maruyama
`11/1995 Fruchterman et al.
`8/1996 Behr et al.
`
`...... 434/112
`
`C-Series Display Reference Manual, Raymarine UK, Mar. 2006.
`GPSMAP 3600C/3010C Color Chartplotter, Garmin Ltd., 2004.
`GPSMAP 206/2010 Chartplotters Owner's Manual and Reference
`Guide, Garmin Ltd., 2001.
`
`Primary Examiner-Benjamin C. Lee
`Assistant Examiner-Jennfier Mehmood
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-David L. Terrell
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Systems, devices, and methods are provided for marine
`navigation and course calculation for avoiding preselected
`conditions. An electronic marine navigation device with
`marine course calculation capabilities includes a processor
`connected to a memory that includes cartographic data. A
`potential waypoint can be identified and a marine route
`calculation algorithm can be preformed to calculate a course
`between a first location and the potential waypoint in view
`of preselected conditions. Performing the marine route cal(cid:173)
`culation algorithm includes analyzing the cartographic data
`for the area between the first location and the potential
`waypoint with a preference for providing a course that
`avoids preselected conditions. A display is connected to the
`processor and is capable of displaying the calculated course
`and cartographic data. The device is also adapted to dynami(cid:173)
`cally analyze an area surrounding the first location for
`preselected conditions and display the results of the analysis.
`
`50 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`418
`
`402
`
`FLIR-1001.001
`
`

`

`US 7,268,703 Bl
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,999,882 A
`6,055,478 A
`6,061,629 A
`6,104,316 A
`6,198,428 Bl
`6,199,015 Bl
`6,279,851 Bl
`6,289,277 Bl
`6,314,370 Bl
`6,356,837 Bl
`6,362,751 Bl
`6,981,538 B2
`6,385,538 Bl
`6,401,038 B2
`6,421,603 Bl
`6,469,664 Bl
`
`12/1999 Simpson et al ................ 702/3
`412000 Heron ........................ 7011213
`512000 Yano et al.
`8/2000 Behr et al.
`3/2001 Sekine ....................... 342/176
`3/2001 Curtwright et al. ......... 7011213
`................ 244/3 .15
`8/2001 Huss et al.
`912001 Feyereisen et al.
`11/2001 Curtright .................... 7011213
`.............. 7011208
`3/2002 Yokota et al.
`3/2002 Upparapalli
`412002 Robinson et al.
`512002 Yokota ....................... 7011211
`612002 Gia ............................ 7011301
`712002 Pratt et al. .................. 7011206
`10/2002 Michaelson et al. ... 342/357.13
`
`6,473,003 B2 *
`6,556,206 Bl
`6,574,551 Bl
`6,577,947 Bl
`6,653,947 B2
`6,654,689 Bl
`6,665,630 B2
`6,734,808 Bl *
`6,750,815 B2
`6,845,324 B2
`6,862,501 B2
`6,885,919 Bl *
`7,035,166 B2
`2002/0121989 Al
`2004/0003958 Al*
`2004/0006423 Al*
`* cited by examiner
`
`10/2002
`4/2003
`6/2003
`6/2003
`11/2003
`11/2003
`12/2003
`512004
`6/2004
`1/2005
`3/2005
`412005
`412006
`912002
`112004
`112004
`
`Horvath et al. ............. 340/945
`Benson et al. .............. 345/473
`Maxwell et al. ............ 7011209
`Kronfeld et al.
`Dwyer et al ................ 340/970
`Kelly
`Wei et al. ................... 702/155
`Michaelson et al. ........ 340/984
`Michaelson et al. ... 342/357.13
`Smith
`He ................................ 70113
`Wyant et al.
`................. 701121
`Zimmerman et al .......... 367/88
`Burns
`Fujimoto et al.
`Fujimoto et al.
`
`........... 1811124
`........... 7011201
`
`FLIR-1001.002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`Sep. 11,2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`Us 7,268,703 B1
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`~:
`
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`FLIR-1001.003
`
`FLIR-1001.003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 2of10
`
`VS 7,268,703 Bl
`
`200 "'
`
`204
`
`Fig. 2A
`
`200 "'
`
`234
`
`228
`
`226
`
`Fig. 2B
`
`FLIR-1001.004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`330
`,..,
`
`,___
`
`MEMORY
`
`320
`,..,
`LOCATION INPUT
`
`376
`,..,
`CARTRIDGE BAY
`
`,_____
`
`370
`
`,J
`
`3
`'50
`
`,J
`
`ANTENNA RECEIVER
`
`340
`
`,J
`
`DISPLAY SCREEN
`
`...---
`
`VO PORTS
`
`I ,..,310
`I
`PROCESSOR
`I
`
`346
`
`,J
`
`POWER SOURCE
`
`Fig. 3
`
`FLIR-1001.005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 4of10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`410
`
`402
`
`402
`
`402
`
`414
`
`Fig. 4A
`
`FLIR-1001.006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 5of10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`410
`
`402
`420
`
`402
`
`402
`
`420
`
`414
`
`Fig. 4B
`
`FLIR-1001.007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 6of10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`Fig. 4C
`
`FLIR-1001.008
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 7of10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`450
`
`Fig. 4D
`
`FLIR-1001.009
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`Sep. 11, 2007
`
`Sheet 8of10
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`US 7,268,703 B1
`
`482
`
`486
`
`Fig. 4E
`
`FLIR-1001.010
`
`FLIR-1001.010
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11,2007
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`IDENTIFY A POTENTIAL WAYPOINT
`
`500
`
`510
`
`PERFORMING A MARINE ROUTE
`CALCULATION ALGORITHM TO
`CALCULATE A COURSE BETWEEN A
`FIRST LOCATION AND THE
`POTENTIAL WAYPOINT IN VIEW OF
`PRESELECTED CONDITIONS
`
`Fig. 5
`
`600
`
`620
`
`ANALVZING CARTOGRAPHIC DATA
`BETWEEN A FIRST LOCATION AND
`THE POTENTIAL WAYPOINT FOR
`PRESELECTED CONDmONS
`
`PERFORMING A MARINE ROUTE
`CALCULATION ALGORITHM TO
`CALCULATE A COURSE AVOIDING
`PRESELECTED CONDITIONS
`BETWEEN THE FIRST LOCATION AND
`THE POTENTIAL WAYPOINT
`
`Fig. 6
`
`FLIR-1001.011
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.11, 2007
`
`Sheet 10of10
`
`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`700
`
`,J
`
`IDENTIFYING A USER DEFINED
`GRAPHICAL FILTER AREA ON A
`DISPlAY
`
`ANALVZING CARTOGRAPHIC DATA
`WITHIN THE USER DEFINED
`GRAPHICAL FILTER AREA FOR
`PRESELECTED CONDITIONS
`
`710
`
`720
`
`PROVID[NG AN ALERT SIGNAL WHEN
`CARTOGRAPHIC DATA WITHIN THE
`USER DEFINED GRAPHICAL FILTER
`AREA INDICATE PRESELECTED
`CONOmONS
`
`Fig. 7
`
`FLIR-1001.012
`
`

`

`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`1
`METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR
`CARTOGRAPHIC ALERTS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to navigational
`devices, and in particular to marine navigational devices
`with cartographic alert capabilities.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Boating is an activity enjoyed by many people. Safe
`boating, however, requires common sense and the ability to
`remain alert to the prevailing boating conditions. A variety
`of equipment is available to boaters to aid them in these
`endeavors. For example, boats can be equipped with radios,
`radar systems, cameras, and sensors for providing a variety
`of information to the boater. The boater can then use the
`information from these devices in planning and navigating a
`course for the boat.
`Many times, however, there can be quite a lot of infor(cid:173)
`mation for the boater to consider in planning and navigating
`a course for the boat. For example, which courses might be
`preferable, or even available, for the size and type of boat
`being used. In addition, a user may inadvertently overlook
`one or more hazards in planning their course.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`2
`In general, GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation
`system capable of determining continuous position, velocity,
`time, and in some instances direction information for an
`unlimited number of users. GPS incorporates a plurality of
`satellites which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits.
`Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their
`location to any number of receiving units.
`The GPS system is implemented when a device specially
`equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio fre-
`10 quencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio
`signal from a GPS satellite, the device can determine the
`precise location of that satellite via one of different conven(cid:173)
`tional methods. The device will continue scanning for sig(cid:173)
`nals until it has acquired at least three different satellite
`15 signals. Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver
`utilizes the three known positions to determine its own
`two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. Addition(cid:173)
`ally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiv(cid:173)
`ing device to calculate its three-dimensional position by the
`20 same geometrical calculation. The positioning and velocity
`data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an
`unlimited number of users.
`FIG. 1 is representative of a GPS denoted generally by
`reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in
`25 orbit about the Earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is
`not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satel(cid:173)
`lites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver
`device 140 of the present embodiment is shown receiving
`spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from the various
`satellites 120.
`The spread spectrum signals 160 continuously transmitted
`from each satellite 120 utilize a highly accurate frequency
`standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic
`clock. Each satellite 120, as part of its data signal transmis-
`35 sion 160, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular
`satellite 120. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
`relevant art that the GPS receiver device 140 must acquire
`spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three
`satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its
`40 two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an
`additional signal 160, resulting in signals 160 from a total of
`four satellites 120, permits GPS receiver device 140 to
`calculate its three-dimensional position.
`FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of
`45 an electronic marine navigational device 200. Device 200
`can be portable and can be utilized in any number of
`implementations besides marine application. For example,
`device 200 could possibly be used in an automobile and in
`avionic navigation.
`FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of marine navigational
`device 200. Marine navigational device 200 can include a
`housing 202. In the various embodiments, housing 202
`includes a fully gasketed, high-impact strength plastic or
`plastic/alloy, waterproof case and has been rounded for
`55 aesthetic and ergonomic purposes. This is but one example,
`and other protective housings 202 (e.g., metal or metal alloy)
`are possible.
`Marine navigational device 200 further includes a control
`panel 204 that includes a display screen 214. For example,
`60 display screen 214 can be a color LCD display which is
`capable of displaying both text and graphical information.
`The invention, however, is not so limited. Audio information
`can likewise be provided. In addition, marine navigational
`device 200 can further include two-way voice communica-
`65 tion capabilities (e.g., two-way radio or cellular communi(cid:173)
`cation) and capabilities for receiving National Oceanic and
`Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather broadcasts.
`
`FIG. 1 is a representative view of a Global Positioning 30
`System (GPS);
`FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of
`an electronic marine navigational device;
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment for the
`electronic components within the hardware of FIGS. 2A-2B;
`FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate a number of display screen
`embodiments which are operable with the electronic marine
`navigational device of the present invention; and
`FIGS. 5-7 are flow charts illustrating various method
`embodiments.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Embodiments of the present invention include marine
`navigational methods, systems, and devices having course
`calculation and analysis capabilities. The marine naviga(cid:173)
`tional methods, systems, and devices can use any number of
`devices for determining one or more positions. For example,
`the marine navigational device can include devices for 50
`receiving signals (e.g., radio signals) from which positional
`triangulation can be performed to determine the one or more
`positions. In additional embodiments, a global positioning
`system (GPS) enabled marine navigational device can be
`used for determining one or more positions. Such GPS
`systems are known and have a variety of uses.
`Although the term marine navigation is used in the
`present application, one of ordinary skill in the art will
`appreciate from reading the disclosure that the techniques
`described herein could equally be applied for use in non(cid:173)
`street based navigation. So, the use of the word "marine" in
`the embodiments of the present invention (including the
`claims) could be replaced with the phrase "non-street
`based", where non-street based can include a navigational
`method, system, and devices that do not necessarily rely on
`one or more roads, highways, streets, and/or freeways in
`providing navigational methods, systems and/or devices.
`
`FLIR-1001.013
`
`

`

`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`3
`Display screen 214 is operable to present a number of
`different screen displays, examples of which are provided
`herein. The number of different screen displays includes, but
`are not limited to, a map display, including a split-screen
`moving map, a radio display, including, for example, chan(cid:173)
`nel selection and squelch code settings; location lookup for
`use with downloaded cartographic data, including marine
`craft data, of a map; a navigation display, including, for
`example, graphic compass, distance to destination, speed,
`and time of arrival prediction; point of interest display; 10
`listing of location display; trip computer display, including,
`for example, trip distance, average and maximum speeds,
`travel time, and location; and waypoint display for setting
`waypoints or locations.
`Display 214 illustrates an embodiment of a map display. 15
`As will be explained in more detail below, in the various
`embodiments of the present invention, electronic marine
`navigational device 200 includes a basemap operable to
`show lakes, rivers, channels, lock and dams, buoys (e.g.,
`marine buoys, navigation buoys, mooring buoys), channel 20
`markers, ports, docks, land, underwater obstacles, land,
`water depth, rock(s), sandbars, shelves, tidal conditions,
`tidal data, above-water obstacles (e.g., bridges), type of
`water bottom, and prohibited areas, cities, highways, streets,
`counties boundaries, and state boundaries on display 214. In 25
`one embodiment, the basemap can be built-in. In an addi(cid:173)
`tional embodiment, the basemap can be transferred to and/or
`provided on a removable data card to the device 200.
`As further shown in FIG. 2A, marine navigational device
`200 further includes a number of input devices 216 such as 30
`a power on/off button, display zoom control buttons, menu
`selection button, user confirmation key, and the like. The
`input devices 216 shown in FIG. 2A also include a multi(cid:173)
`position (e.g., 3-axis) data entry button 220 for use with the
`display screen 214. The display 214 can also receive data 35
`through a touch sensitive screen (e.g., screen can be respon(cid:173)
`sive to use of a stylus and/or finger touch).
`FIG. 2B illustrates a rear view for an embodiment of the
`electronic marine navigational device 200. The electronic
`marine navigational device 200 includes a data port 224
`operable to upload and download data between the elec(cid:173)
`tronic marine navigational device 200 and another electronic
`device, such as by using a USB connector, Ethernet, or other
`suitable connection. In some embodiments, as will be dis(cid:173)
`cussed below, data can be uploaded and downloaded to the
`electronic marine navigational device 200 using a trans(cid:173)
`ceiver in the device 200 which can accommodate a wireless
`transmission medium such as, for example, infrared, Blue(cid:173)
`tooth, and/or Radio Frequency (RF) signals. Other transmis(cid:173)
`sion medium might also be used. In the various embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the present invention and as will be explained
`further herein, the data port is operable to upload and
`download device 200 software, marine craft data, and/or
`other cartographic data. Marine navigational device 200 can
`also include at least one antenna, including GPS antenna 226
`coupled to an integrated GPS receiver, and voice data
`antenna 228 coupled to an integrated communication trans(cid:173)
`ceiver. Device 200 can further include input ports for
`externally mounted antennas for GPS receiver and/or for the
`communication transceiver.
`The marine navigational device 200 can includes an
`electrical power input port 230 for coupling to an external
`power supply. The invention, however, is not so limited. For
`example, a battery power supply could be operatively
`coupled to device 200 to power its electronic components.
`Likewise, the various embodiments can include an elec(cid:173)
`tronic device having a data card slot, or data card port 234.
`
`4
`The marine navigational device 200 can further include a
`mounting bracket 236 so that device 200 can be selectably
`and removably mounted on a removable clip and/or surface.
`The illustrations shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are but one
`example of a hardware configuration for a marine naviga(cid:173)
`tional device according to the teachings of the present
`invention. However, the invention is not limited to the
`configuration shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Other suitable
`designs for a hardware device which can accommodate the
`present invention are also possible.
`FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a block diagram for
`the electronic components within the hardware of FIGS.
`2A-2B, such as within housing 202 and utilized by the
`electronic marine navigational device. The electronic com(cid:173)
`ponents of the electronic device can include a processor 310
`that is operatively coupled to a location input 320, such as
`input devices 216 (e.g., data entry button 220). Processor
`310 can also be operatively coupled with memory 330 and
`display screen 340. It will be understood that input 320 may
`additionally include a microphone for receiving voice com(cid:173)
`mands and/or an input from display screen 340 (e.g., touch
`sensitive screen). The electronic components further include
`a power source input 346 for powering the electronic
`components of the marine navigational device.
`Memory 330 can retrievably store instructions for execut(cid:173)
`ing one or more executable programs according to the
`present invention. For example, the memory 330 can retriev(cid:173)
`ably store a marine route calculation algorithm, as discussed
`herein, of the present invention. In addition, memory 330
`can further retrievably store cartographic data, including
`marine craft data and a variety of preselected conditions that
`are also used in conjunction with the marine route calcula(cid:173)
`tion algorithm. Preselected conditions can include user
`identified parameters, and any values associated with the
`parameters, that are associated with geographical conditions
`of particular interest. For example, preselected conditions a
`user can select include, but are not limited to, indications of
`land, water depth, rock(s), sandbars, shelves, tide condition,
`tidal data, wind conditions, weather conditions, ice, above-
`40 water obstacles (e.g., bridges), underwater obstacles (e.g.,
`submerged wrecks), type of water bottom, and prohibited
`areas, to name only a few. The preselected conditions, and
`their associated values, can be selected and progranimed by
`a user through, for example, controlling one or more input
`45 menus on display screen 340 with the location input 320.
`The location input 320 can also receive additional carto(cid:173)
`graphic data, including marine craft data, through the input
`devices 216 (e.g., data entry button 220) and/or the display
`screen 340 from a user. This additional cartographic data,
`50 including marine craft data, can include a first location, such
`as a present location or a waypoint location, or other
`waypoint locations, such as a destination location, that can
`be used in calculating and/or analyzing a course for a marine
`craft. In one embodiment, the present location can be
`55 up-dated at a preselected rate in real-time. In addition, the
`location input 320 can further receive coordinate positions
`for the waypoints (e.g., a potential waypoint). The location
`input 320 can also receive the coordinate positions for
`waypoints by inputs through the display 340. In one
`60 example, the coordinate positions can be longitude and
`latitude coordinate positions.
`Embodiments of the present invention also allow for a
`course to be analyzed between the first location and one or
`more waypoints, where cartographic data, including marine
`65 craft data, for the area between the first location and the
`waypoints can be analyzed to determine whether preselected
`conditions are present along the course. So, for example, a
`
`FLIR-1001.014
`
`

`

`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`5
`user may want to have a course analyzed between a first
`location and a potential waypoint that is separate from the
`first location. In the present example, the first location can be
`a present location of the device in which the coordinates of
`the present location can be entered by the user or determined
`based on a signal from a global positioning system, or other
`signal triangulation system. In an additional embodiment,
`the first location can be set as a waypoint location separate
`from the potential waypoint, in which the waypoint location
`will not change during the calculation of the course between 10
`the first location and the potential waypoint. In a further
`embodiment, the potential waypoint can identify a waypoint
`location that may be changed by the user, for example, based
`on the outcome of the course calculated between the first
`location and the potential waypoint. In other words, the
`potential waypoint may be moved so as to have alternative
`courses calculated and/or analyzed between the first location
`and the potential waypoint.
`In addition, the processor 310 further operates on the
`marine route calculation algorithm to analyze a course
`between the first location and the potential waypoint in view
`of preselected conditions of the cartographic data, including
`the marine craft data. So, for example, the processor 310 can
`operate on the route calculating algorithm to analyze the
`cartographic data, including the marine craft data, to identify
`and avoid preselected conditions in the course being calcu(cid:173)
`lated between the first location and the potential waypoint.
`The course analyzed with the marine route calculation
`algorithm can also analyze a predetermined distance on
`either side of the calculated course for preselected condi(cid:173)
`tions. In other words, a buffer zone around the calculated
`course can be analyzed for preselected conditions. In one
`embodiment, the predetermined distance to be analyzed can
`be automatically determined by the marine route calculation
`algorithm based on the type of marine craft that is being 35
`used. The predetermined distance can also be determined
`and programmed into the device by the user. The size of the
`predetermined distance can be influenced by any number of
`factors, including, but not limited to, the size (e.g., width),
`the maneuverability, and/or the steering characteristics of 40
`the marine craft.
`In a situation where the processor 310 operating on the
`marine route calculation algorithm identifies one or more
`preselected conditions in analyzing the course, the processor
`310 operates on the route calculating algorithm to re-route
`the course to avoid the preselected conditions. In one
`embodiment, in routing and/or re-routing the course to avoid
`the preselected conditions, the processor operates on the
`route calculating algorithm to identify one or more non-user
`waypoints between the first location and the potential way(cid:173)
`point.
`The marine route calculation algorithm can also be used
`to analyze cartographic data within a user defined graphical
`filter area (shown as 478 in FIG. 4E). In one embodiment,
`the user defined graphical filter area includes a geographical
`area defined by a user on the display screen 340. Examples
`of defining the user defined graphical filter area on the
`display screen 340 include, but are not limited to, use of the
`input devices 216 or the display screen 340 itself. For
`example, a user could draw the user defined graphical filter
`area using a cursor shown on the display screen 340. The
`user defined graphical filter area can include an area smaller
`than the display screen 340.
`The user defined graphical filter area can also include any
`number of shapes, including, but not limited to, square, 65
`rectangular, triangular, or circular. Other shapes for the user
`defined graphical filter area are also possible. The user
`
`6
`defined graphical filter area can further be positioned and/or
`repositioned over any number of locations on the display
`screen 340. In one embodiment, a displayed cursor under the
`control of one or more of the input devices 216 can be used
`to position and/or reposition the user defined graphical filter
`area over any number oflocations on the display screen 340.
`The processor 310 can operate on the marine route
`calculation algorithm to analyze cartographic data within the
`user defined graphical filter area for preselected conditions.
`For example, the processor 310 can operate on the marine
`route calculation algorithm to analyze cartographic data
`within the defined graphical filter area selected and posi(cid:173)
`tioned, or repositioned, by the user for preselected condi(cid:173)
`tions. In an additional example, the processor 310 can
`15 dynamically analyze the cartographic data within the defined
`graphical filter area for preselected conditions as the area is
`being position and/or repositioned. So, for example, the
`processor 310 dynamically analyzes the cartographic data
`within the defined graphical filter area for preselected con-
`20 ditions when repositioning the graphical filter area from a
`first position to a second position.
`In one example, the dynamic analysis of cartographic
`data, including the marine craft data, within the defined
`graphical filter area for preselected conditions allows for a
`25 user to be aware of preselected conditions that may be
`located within the area, but not necessarily at the first
`location and/or along the course which the device is trav(cid:173)
`eling. In an additional embodiment, analyzing the carto(cid:173)
`graphic data within the defined graphical filter area can be
`30 available regardless of whether a calculated course is being
`used or not. In other words, a user need not have a desti(cid:173)
`nation point, one or more waypoints (e.g., a potential, or
`other waypoint) and/or a calculated a course to have the
`cartographic data analyzed within the defined graphical filter
`area.
`An antenna/receiver 350, such as a GPS antenna/receiver
`is operatively coupled to processor 310. It will be under(cid:173)
`stood that the antenna and receiver, designated by reference
`numeral 350, are combined schematically for illustration,
`but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located
`components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch
`antenna or a helical antenna. The electronic components
`further include I/O ports 370 operatively connected to
`processor 310. In addition, the electronic components can
`45 further include a cartridge bay 376 operatively coupled to
`the processor 310 for receiving cartographic data, including
`marine craft data, from a map data cartridge.
`Using antenna/receiver 350 as a GPS, processor 310 can
`determine the first location, for example, as being a present
`50 location of the device on a course based on the signals
`received from the GPS. Processor 310 can dynamically
`analyze cartographic data, including the marine craft data,
`for a predetermined area around the first location, in this
`situation the present location, for preselected conditions.
`55 The area around the first location for analysis can have a
`preselected size and shape relative to the first location. In
`addition, the area to be analyzed can be refreshed at a
`preselected rate so as to ensure that the first location does not
`move out of the analyzed area prior to the analysis being
`60 refreshed.
`In one example, the dynamic analysis of cartographic
`data, including the marine craft data, around the first loca(cid:173)
`tion for preselected conditions allows for a user to be aware
`of preselected conditions that may be in the vicinity, but not
`necessarily at the first location and/or along the course
`which the device is traveling. In this way, the user will better
`understand the nature of the area surrounding the first
`
`FLIR-1001.015
`
`

`

`US 7,268,703 Bl
`
`7
`location and/or the calculated course with respect to the
`preselected conditions. Analyzing the cartographic data
`around the first location can also be available regardless of
`whether a calculated course is being used or not. In other
`words, a user need not have a destination point, one or more
`waypoints (e.g., a potential, or other waypoint) and/or a
`calculated course to have the cartographic data analyzed for
`the predetermined area around the first location.
`In a further embodiment, the analysis of the present
`invention also need not be used in conjunction with calcu- 10
`lating a course, but rather can be used to analyze the
`cartographic data in the area between the first location and
`the potential waypoint. In this way a user can better under(cid:173)
`stand what predetermined conditions exist between the first
`location and the potential waypoint without having to cal- 15
`culate a course. In an additional embodiment, the analysis of
`the present invention also can be used in conjunction with
`calculating a course that includes the first location and the
`potential waypoint.
`The area to be dynamically analyzed can also have a 20
`preselected size and shape relative to the present location.
`Examples of the preselected shape include, but are not
`limited to, a triangular or a sector of a circle shape. In one
`embodiment, the size of the area can be defined by radii
`extending along the course from the first location (e.g., a 25
`present location), such as a heading determined through the
`use of a track log. In addition, the size of the predetermined
`area can be determined based on a number of factors,
`including, but not limited to, the speed and heading of the
`electronic marine navigational device. In an additional 30
`embodiment, an angle of the analyzed area emanating from
`the first location can be either set by the user or determined
`based on type and nature of the marine craft in which the
`device is being utilized (e.g., a large craft with a large turn
`radius may require a larger angle of analysis as compared to 35
`a smaller more maneuverable craft having a smaller turn
`radius). In an additional embodiment, the area can encircle
`the first location, whe