(12) United States Patent
`US 6,415,224 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`Jul. 2, 2002
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Wakoetal.
`
`US006415224B1
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`DISPLAY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`NAVIGATION SYSTEM
`
`Inventors: Hikaru Wako, Redondo Beach; Tatsuo
`Yokota, Torrance, both of CA (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc., Tokyo (JP)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Appl. No.: 09/777,990
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 6, 2001
`
`Int. C1? oe GO1C 21/00; GO6F 7/00;
`GO6F 9/00; GO6F 17/00; GO6F 165/00;
`GOI1S 5/02
`US. Che icccccccceeeeteeee 701/208; 701/200-207;
`701/209-216; 701/23-26; 701/36; 342/357.13;
`342/357.09; 342/357.17; 342/458; 340/988;
`340/990; 340/995; 340/903; 345/970; 345/1.3;
`345/856; 345/555; 345/205; 345/206; 455/556;
`455/557; 348/169; 348/142; 348/213
`Field of Search.
`.............cccceccerees 701/200-216,
`701/23, 24, 25, 27, 14, 36; 342/357.13,
`357.09, 357.17, 357.08, 357.06, 458; 240/988,
`990, 995, 903, 660, 692, 460; 345/970,
`1.3, 856, 555, 205, 206; 455/556, 557;
`348/169, 142, 213
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/1998 Nojimaetal.
`5,764,139 A
`5,821,880 A * 10/1998 Morimoto et al.
`......... 340/988
`
`5,944,768 A *
`8/1999 Tto et al. oe 340/990
`2/2000 Barbero...
`6,029,072 A *
`eee 455/556
`
`5/2000 Ohira oo...
`6,064,322 A *
`eee 340/988
`
`9/2000 Takishita 2... 340/990
`6,121,900 A *
`6,240,361 B1 *
`5/2001 Iseetal. we. 340/995
`6,275,231 B1 *
`8/2001 Obradovich .....0..0..... 345/970
`
`6,034,212 Al * 10/2001 Aoki et al. ....... 342/357.13
`2001/0001846 Al *
`5/2001 Uchigaki
`2001/0029429 Al * 10/2001 Katayamaet al.
`2001/0047241 Ai * 11/2001 Khavakh etal.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Phillips Car System “Carin Navigation System”. Apr. 17,
`1997.*
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—William A. Cuchlinski, Jr.
`Assistant Examiner—Ronnie Mancho
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Muramatsu & Associates
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A display method and apparatus for navigation system for
`displaying information necessary tor guiding a driver of a
`vehicle. The navigation system is designed to promote safe
`driving by producing different display forms and contents
`depending on whetherthe vehicle is in motionorstationary.
`When the vehicle is stationary, the navigation system can
`perform all of the functions. However, when the vehicle is
`in motion, the navigation system provides simplified and
`limited functions to ease the operations. The number of key
`strokes required for operating the navigation system is
`reduced when the vehicle is in motion.
`
`5,648,904 A *
`5,757,359 A
`
`FIVIOT SOU eee ececeeeeesee eee 116/62.3
`5/1998 Morimoto etal.
`
`36 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`Noroute guidance
`62
`
`
`If the vehicle is in motion
`
` Menu Select Driving Select
`
`
`
`
`
`C Setup)
`
`Se)
`
`}d—— Menu
`“
`
`Change Routing Methad
`
`tofInterest (sorted
`Previous Destination
`
`Adaress Fook
`
`786eeDestination
`
`Intersection
`Street Address
`Address Book
`Recent Route
`
`wy|PointofInterest Phone Number
`Trip Itinerary
`MapInput
`Detour
`Tum List
`
`Google Exhibit 1025
`Google Exhibit 1025
`Google v. Mullen
`Google v. Mullen
`
`Ifthe vehicleis stationary
`12:00 >|
`
`42m.
`On: S, Westem Ave., Los Angeles, CA
`FE
`
`Menu Cancel
`
`ea
`
`Cancel Ment
`
`
`
`
`
`
`| se
`64
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 1A (Prior Art)
`
`(4)
`
`ON: W.190TH ST., TORRANCE
`jf,~~
` (4)
`
`Fig. 1B (Prior Art)
`
`PRAIRIE AVENUE
`NEXT TURN: “1 0.8 MILES
`
`as
`
` FINAL DEST: 16.3 MILES TO GO
`ON: W.190TH ST., TORRANCE
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Fig. 2A
`(Prior Art)
`
`Fig2 2B
`(Prtor Art)
`
`Fig. 2C
`(Prior Art)
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Enter Destination By:
`
`ein
`
`ene
`
`Pointof Interest:
`
`Recent Route
`
`Address Book
`
`Category List
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 2D
`(Prior Art)
`
`NameList
`
`19240 Van Ness Ave., Torrance
`(310) 212-5961
`20.4mi
`
`Fig. 2E
`(Prior Art)
`
`(Prior Art)
`
`NameList
`
`1870 HarborBlvd., Costa Mesa
`(714) 722-1600
`31mi
`
`Fig. 2F
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`dS
`
`YOLINOW
`
`“SHLNAS
`
`ONIZIS
`
`LINN
`
`9S¥S
`
`SS
`
`ONILVYANAS
`
`LSITI/NNSW
`
`LINN
`
`0S
`
`bS
`
`YATIONLNOD
`
`AV1dSId
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`NOILVWHOSNI
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`AYOWSAN
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`vr
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`FIG.4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig . 5
`
`If the vehicle is stationary
`
`No route guidance
`62
`
`
`If the vehicle is in motion
`
`Menu Cancel
`
`Cancel Menu
`
`
`
`
`ination
`
`=
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`
` On: S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA
`
`
`
`Select
`
`
`(setup)
`Change Routing Method
`
`
`__ PointofInterest(sortedbydistance):2
`
`
`Previous Destination
`
`
`wae ee
`
`
`
` Street Address
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(Route)
`
`
`
`Address Book
`
`Recent Route
`
`Point of Interest
`
`Phone Number
`
`
`
`Trip Itinerary
`
`MapInput
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig 6
`
`No route guidance
`
`
` If the vehicle is stationary
`If the vehicle is in motion
`
`
` Any Menu Screen
`
`the message disappears
` If the vehicle is stationary,
` Any Menu Screen
`
` Program pause,
`
`
`
`Press CANCELto map
`
`or MENU to Driving menu
`
` Menu
`
`
`Destination 23
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Select
`
`Edit
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`Change Routing Method
`
`Previous Destination
`
`Address Book
`
`Cancel
`
`
`
` On: S. WesternAve., LosAngeles, CA
`|
`
`Locator Map
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 7
`
`During Mapor Arrow route guidance
`
`jt
`PaesBook
`
`On: S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA
`
`Menu Cancel
`
`Cancel Menu
`
`Select
`
`mT
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`(seup_)Change Routing Method
`
`Previous Destination
`(edt)
`(_Route)
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 8
`
`If the vehicle is stationary
`
` During route guidance
`
`if the vehicie is in motion
`
`Any Menu Screen
`
` If the vehicle is stationary,
`
`Any Menu Screen
`
`Program pause,
`/\\ Press CANCELto map
`or MENU to Driving menu
`
`the message disappears
`
`Menu
`
`Select
`
`
`
`t= Destination =;
`
`
`
`
`
`Driving
`
`Select
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`Change Routing Method
`
`Previous Destination
`
` On: S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA
`
`Map orarrow route guidance
`
`Menu
`
`Menu
`
`Cancel
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Address Book
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 9
`
`
`
`During route guidance
`
`B2
`
`If the vehicle is stationary
`
`
`
`before using this function
`
`
`If the vehicle is in motion
`
`Any Screen
`
`
`
`Cancel or
`
`10Sec Menu
`Timeout
`
`
`
`
`
`Any Screen
`
`/ Ifyou are driving, pull over
`
`
`Menu
`64
`OK
`64
`
`
`
`
`Menu
`
`Select
`
`
`= Destination %
`
`Menu
`
`Select
`
`
`(: Destination =:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` _—__
`an
`GPS
`
`MELROSEAVE.
`
`
`
`ci/2mi,
`
` On: S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA
`
`Maporarrow route guidance
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Fig. 10A
`
`Fig. 10C
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Driving
`
`Select
`
`
`
`Siofwire(eeddare)
`
`RESTAURANT
`
`____GAS STATION
`
`= GROCERY STORE:
`
`a
`
`PARKING
`
`
`Driving
`Select Name
`
`
`
` 19240 VAN NESS AVE., TORRANCE
`(310) 212-5961
`
` ““BOZ ING.
`
`
`HATA GIFT SHOP
`
`
`Calculating
`_i/2mi ,
`
`LL——
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 Bl
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 11A
`
`Fig. 11B
`
`Driving
`
`Select
`
`Delete Current Destination
`
`Change Routing Method
`
`Point of Interest (sorted by distance)
`
`
`
`
`
`Address Book
`
`MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, CA
`
`19145 GRAMERCYPL., TORRANCE, CA
`
`
`
`
`Enter
`Cancel
`
`
`
`Driving
`Select Address
`
`
`
`
`
`
`KNOTTS BERRY FARM, BUENA PARK, CA
`
`TTSTS HARBOR BLVD, ANAHER,Ch
`MANN'S CHINESE THEATRE, LOS ANGELES, CA
`
`
`
`MAP/8851 CENTRAL AVE., MONTEREY PARK, CA
`
`
`
`Enter
`
`
`|,1/2mi_|, Calculating
`
`
`
`LL—
`
`
`Po
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 12A
`
`Driving
`
`Select
`
`
`
`Enter
`
`Cancel
`
`Fig. 12B
`
`Driving
`
`19145 GRAMERCYPL., TORRANCE
`(310) 326-8000
`ALPINE
`DOCTOR
`
`“0.4mi
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Select Name
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 2, 2002
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`Fig. 13
`
`In-Motion
`
`Select Name
`
`-87
`
`
`
`
`
`
` DOCTOR
`
`
`GRAMERCYPL., TORRANCE, CA
`
`14mi
`
`ALPINE
`
`CHURCH
`
`SCHOOL
`
`OFFICE
`
`
`
`
`FRIEND
`
`GROCERY
`
`

`

`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`1
`DISPLAY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`NAVIGATION SYSTEM
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to a display method and apparatus
`for navigation system for displaying information necessary
`for guiding a driver of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a
`display method and apparatus for navigation system for
`displaying information in different forms and contents
`depending on whetherthe vehicle is in motion orstationary.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Avehicle navigation system performsvehicle travel guid-
`ance for enabling a driver to easily drive the vehicle to a
`selected destination. Such a navigation system detects the
`position of the vehicle, reads out map data pertaining to an
`area at
`the vehicle current position from a data storage
`medium, for cxample, a CD-ROM (compactdisk read-only
`memory) or a DVD (digital videodisc), and displays a map
`image on a monitor (display) screen while superposing a
`mark representing the current location of the vehicle on a
`predetermined portion of the map image.
`The vehicle position is determined by a self-contained
`navigation sensors (¢.g. a distance traveled sensor and a
`bearing sensor) mounted in the vehicle or by a global
`positioning system (GPS) including a satellite (satellite
`navigation). The satellite navigation enables absolute posi-
`tion detection and higher position accuracy than the self-
`contained navigation sensors. However, the satellite navi-
`gation involves problem of position detection failure such as
`in a tunnel or a building wherethesatellite radio signals are
`obstructed. Therefore, recent navigation systemsutilize both
`self-contained navigation and satellite navigation to achieve
`improved performances.
`As the present position of the vehicle changes with the
`travel of the vehicle, the vehicle current position mark in the
`map image on the screen is changed accordingly.
`Alternatively, the map is scrolled while the vehicle current
`position mark is fixed at a predetermined position,
`for
`example, at the center of the image. In either methods, the
`navigation system enables the driver to recognize the map
`information of the area at the vehicle position at a glance.
`When a destination is not set, such a navigation system
`functions as a locator map which indicates the current
`location of the vehicle in a map image. Whenthe destination
`is set, the navigation system starts a route guidance function
`for setting a guided route from the starting point to the
`destination. Typically, the route guidance function performs
`an intersection guidance process in which a monitor screen
`displays an enlarged intersection diagram and the direction
`in which the vehicle is to travel while displaying the guide
`roule on a map. Whena starting point and a destination are
`input, a CPU in the navigation system automatically deter-
`mines a most suitable guided route and successively stores
`nodes (expressed in longitude andlatitude) constituting the
`guided route in a memory.
`the node series stored in the
`During actual traveling,
`memory is searched for a portion of the guided route to be
`displayed in a map display area of the monitor screen, and
`the portion of the guided route is highlighted so as to be
`discriminable from other routes. When the vehicle is within
`
`a predetermined distance of an intersection it is approaching,
`an intersection guidance diagram (an enlarged or highlighted
`iotersection diagram with an arrow indicating the direction
`in which the vehicle is to turn at the intersection) is dis-
`played to inform a driver of the desired one of roads or
`directions selectable at the intersection.
`
`2
`FIG. 1A shows an example of a locator map display
`containing a vehicle current position mark VCP on a map
`image 21. Typically, a navigation system highlights the
`street on which the vehicle is running in the map image 21
`and shows a name of the street such as “W 190TH ST” in
`an information box 23 on the display screen. Other infor-
`mation such as a north pointer NP, a map scale and a current
`time may also beillustrated on the display screen. In this
`manner, the locator map display shows the current position
`of the vehicle on the map image, however,
`it does not
`perform the route guidance function because the destination
`is not set in the navigation system.
`FIG. 1B shows an example of route guidance display
`which performs the route guidance function. The route
`guidance display is activated alter specifying the destination
`of travel. In addition to the map image 21 similar to the
`locator map of FIG. 1A,this example further shows an arrow
`indicating the direction (left) in which the vehicle is to turn
`at the intersection in a guidance information box 22 at the
`top of the screen. The guidance information box 22 also
`showsa nameofthe street “PREIRIE AVE”whichintersects
`with the current street “W 190TH ST”and a distance to the
`
`intersection. Thus, the navigation system indicates that the
`vehicle should make a left
`turn at
`the intersection with
`
`“PREIRIE AVE”. Typically, the current street “W 190TH
`ST” and the left side of the street “PRETRIE AVE” will be
`
`highlighted in the map image 21. Further, such route guid-
`ance is accompanied by spokeninstructions. If the direction
`of travel in the nextintersectionis left, the navigation system
`gives spoken guidance such as “turn left at the next inter-
`section”. In this example, an information box 24 at the
`bottom of the display screen includes information regarding
`the remaining distance to the final destination and an esti-
`mated time to reach the final destination.
`
`In order to be guided bythe route guidance mode such as
`shown in FIG. 1B, a destination must be specified in the
`navigation system so that the system can find one or more
`routes to get to the destination. FIGS. 2A-2F showexamples
`of display shown on the screen during the operation of
`inputting the destination.
`Byoperating a menu key, a main menu 25 such as shown
`in FIG. 2A is displayed on the navigation system and a menu
`item “Destination” is selected from the main menu. This
`allows the navigation system to display a “Enter Destination
`by” menu 27 as shown in FIG. 2B for specifying an input
`methodfor selecting the destination. The “Enter Destination
`by” menu 27 lists various methods for selecting the desti-
`nation including “Address” for specifying the city and
`address of the destination, “Intersection” for specifying the
`names of two streets in the city which intersect with one
`another, and “Point of Interest” for selecting the pro-
`grammed destination based on the category or telephone
`number. Other methods in the “Enter Destination by” menu
`27 include “Recent Route” for specifying the destination
`based on the recent destinations saved in the navigation
`system, “Address Book” for selecting the address of the
`destination out of the addresses stored in the system, and
`“Map Cursor” for specifying the destination by pointing a
`cursor to the destination on the map.
`When selecting the “Point of Interest” in FIG. 2B, the
`navigation system displays a “Category List” menu 28 such
`as shownin FIG. 2C. The “Category List” menu 28 contains
`various different categories such as “Bank”, “Restaurant”,
`“Hotel”, “Shopping” and others. Supposing, the category
`“Shopping” is selected, the navigation system displays a
`“NameList” such as shownin FIGS. 2D and 2E. The “Name
`
`List” shows names of shops and shopping malls sorted by,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`3
`for example, distance from the vehicle. In an address infor-
`mation box 31 on the display, the address and phone number
`of the highlighted name inthelist 33 will be displayed. The
`address information box 31 may also show the distance to
`the highlighted shop. Typically, the navigation system stores
`several tens or hundreds of names of shops within prede-
`termined distances and displays several shops per page of
`display screen, and a user mayscroll the display screen to
`see other names of shops in the namelist 36 such as shown
`in FIG. 2E.
`
`Whenthe destination is not prestored in the navigation
`system, a user can input the destination by selecting, for
`example, the “Address” methodor “Intersection” method in
`the “Enter Destination by” menu 27 of FIG. 2B. Then, the
`navigation system displays an “Enter Street Name” shownin
`FIG. 2E for inputting the city and address in an address input
`box 37 by meansof a key board 38 displayed on the display
`screen.
`
`the navigation system
`After inputting the destination,
`determines a route to the destination based on, for example,
`by finding the shortest way to reach the destination. In the
`conventional navigation system,
`the foregoing process of
`specifying the destination can be doneeither the vehicle is
`running or stationary. While driving, a driver may want to
`change the destination or to set a new destination after
`reaching the original destination.
`As noted above, the operation of the navigation system,
`such as inputting the destination, requires the driver to look
`at the information on the display screen such as shown in
`FIGS. 2A-2C,or scroll the display such as shownin FIGS.
`2D and 2E, or even input the destination through the key
`board such as shownin FIG. 2F. Thus, the navigation system
`may distract
`the driver’s attention from safe driving.
`‘Therefore,
`tor maintain sate driving,
`it
`is necessary to
`simplify the operation of the navigation system while the
`vehicle is in motion. In the industry, there is an unofficial
`rule that an operation of a navigation system by a driver
`must be done less than fifteen seconds.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`therefore, an object of the present invention to
`is,
`It
`provide a display method and apparatus for vehicle naviga-
`tion system which enables a driver to operate the navigation
`system within a short period of time without
`inversely
`affecting the driving of the vehicle.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`display method and apparatus for vehicle navigation system
`which displays information in different forms and contents
`depending on whether the vehicle is in motion (running) or
`stationary (standingstill).
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`display method and apparatus for vehicle navigation system
`whichis able to specify the destination of travel by a smaller
`number of key movements (clicks) when the vehicle is in
`motion than that when the vehicle is stationary.
`The display method and apparatus of the navigation
`system is designed to promote safe driving bydifferentiating
`display formats and contents depending on whether the
`vehicle is in motion or stationary. When the vehicle is
`stationary,
`the navigation system can perform all of the
`functions. [lowever, when the vehicle is in motion,
`the
`navigation system provides simplified and limited functions
`to ease the operations. The number of key strokes required
`for operating the navigation system is reduced when the
`vehicle is in motion.
`
`In one aspect of the present invention, a display method
`of a vehicle navigation system includes steps of detecting
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`whether a vehicle is in motion or stationary and sending a
`corresponding signal
`to a controller of the navigation
`system, changing a display screen of the navigation system
`to an in-motion main menu when the vehicle is in motion
`and a menu key is pressed by the driver, changing the
`display screen of the navigation system to a stationary main
`menu when the vehicle is stationary and the menu key is
`pressed by the driver. The in-motion main menu displays an
`item list showing less than a predetermined number, for
`example ten, of items in one page of a display screen in
`which the items are limited to methods for specifying a
`destination of travel.
`
`In the in-motion main menu or other menus displayed
`when the vehicle is in motion, a display scroll function for
`the menusis disabled. Further, in the in-motion main menu
`or other menus displayed when the vehicle is in motion
`where each of the menuslists a plurality of items, an initial
`highlight position is on an item at about a middle point ofthe
`item list.
`
`In the further aspect, the display method of the present
`invention includesa step of displaying a locator map screen
`when the destination of travel is not set in the navigation
`system, wherein the locator map screen displays a map
`image of an area within a predetermined distance from the
`vehicle and a vehicle current position mark in the map image
`showing a current position of the vehicle and a street image
`on which the vehicle is running.
`In a further aspect of the present invention, the display
`methodof the present invention includes a step of displaying
`a route guidance screen when the destination of travel is set
`and an appropriate route to the destination is determined by
`the navigation system, wherein the route guidance screen
`displays a map image of an arca within a predetermined
`distance from the vehicle and a vehicle current position
`mark in the map image showing a current position of the
`vehicle, an image of a current street on which the vehicle is
`running, a name of a cross street on which the vehicle is to
`make a turn, and a direction of the turn on the crossstreet.
`A further aspect of the present invention is a display
`apparatus of a vehicle navigation system. The display appa-
`ratus includes means for detecting whether a vehicle is in
`motion or stationary and sending a corresponding signal to
`a controller of the navigation system, means for changing a
`display screen of the navigation system to an in-motion main
`menu when the vehicle is in motion and a menu keyis
`pressed bythe driver, means for displaying in-motion break
`down menusspecifically made for use when the vehicleis in
`motion where the break down menus starts from the
`
`in-motion main menu, means for changing the display
`screen of the navigation system to a stationary main menu
`when the vehicle is stationary and the menu keyis pressed
`by the driver, and means for displaying stationary break
`down menus made for use when the vehicle is stationary
`where the stationary break down menus starts from the
`stationary main menu. Eachof the in-motion main menu and
`the in-motion break down menusdisplays an item list in one
`page of a display screen for which a display scroll function
`is disabled when the vehicle is in motion.
`
`
`
`According to the present invention, the display method
`and apparatus for vehicle navigation system enables the
`driver to operate the navigation system within a short period
`of time without inversely affecting the safe driving of the
`vehicle. The vehicle navigation system displays information
`in different forms depending on whether the vehicle ts in
`motion or stationary. The navigation system is able to
`specify the destination of travel by a small numberof key
`movements when the vehicle is in motion.
`
`

`

`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`5
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing an
`example of locator map display and route guidance display,
`respectively, of a vehicle navigation system.
`FIGS. 2A-2F are schematic diagrams showing display
`examples of a vehicle navigation system. FIG. 2A is a main
`menu, FIG. 2B is a destination sct menu, FIG. 2C shows a
`list of category whensetting a point of interest in FIG. 2B,
`FIGS. 2D and 2E show name lists in the category specified
`in FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2F shows a key board display for
`entering the address or intersection.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of struc-
`ture in the vehicle navigation system according to the
`present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a remote
`controller accompanied by the vehicle navigation system of
`the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of
`displayed images and operation flow in the navigation
`system of the present invention, which is dependent upon
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary, when the
`destination is not specified.
`FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example
`of displayed images and operational flow in the navigation
`system of the present invention, which is dependent upon
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary, when the
`destination is not specified.
`FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an cxample of
`displayed images and operational flow in the navigation
`system of the present invention, which is dependent upon
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary, when the
`destination is specified.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example
`of displayed images and operational flow in the navigation
`system of the present invention, which is dependent upon
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary, when the
`destination is specified.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of
`displayed images and opcrational flow in the navigation
`system of the present invention designed for a situation
`where a passenger operates the navigation system.
`FIGS. 10A-10Dare schematic diagrams showing display
`examples and operational flow involved in a process for
`specifying a destination in the navigation system of the
`present invention when the vehicle is in motion.
`FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic diagrams showing display
`examples and operational flow involved in a process for
`specifying a destination in the navigation system of the
`present invention when the vehicle is in motion.
`FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic diagrams showing display
`examples and operational flow involved in a process for
`specifying a destination in the navigation system of the
`present invention when the vehicle is in motion.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of
`display involved in a process for specifying a destination in
`the navigation system of the present invention with a lesser
`numberofclicks.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`invention is
`The navigation system of the present
`designed to promote safety in driving a vehicle by producing
`different display modes and contents depending on whether
`the vehicle is in motion (runningor driving) orin stationary
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`(standing still). When the vehicle is stationary, the naviga-
`tion system can perform all of the functions provided.
`However, when the vehicle is in motion,
`the navigation
`system provides simplified and limited functions to ease the
`operations. The navigation system is designed to reduce the
`number of key strokes when the vehicle is in motion.
`Examples of operational flows and associated displays in
`the navigation system of the present invention arc shown in
`FIGS. 5-13. As noted above, the display images and con-
`tents in the images vary depending on whetherthe vehicle is
`in motion or stationary. FIG. 5 showsa situation where the
`destination is not specified in the navigation system. Thus,
`a locator map screen 62 does not involve a route guidance
`function. In FIG. 5, if the vehicle is stationary, the navigation
`system displays a main menu (stationary main manu) 64 to
`select one of the main menu items including “Destination”,
`“Setup”, “Edit” and etc. If the “Destination” is selected, the
`navigation system displays a “Enter Destination by” menu
`66 showing various methods of entering the destination. In
`this manner, the navigation system provides layers of menu
`(stationary break down menus)for entering the destination.
`In contrast, if the vehicle is in motion,
`the navigation
`system displays an in-motion main menu 68 which lists
`limited menu items for specifying the destination. The
`number of items displayed on one screen is limited, for
`example, to ten or less, preferably five or seven, and no
`scroll of display is available. Each of the menusin the lower
`layers (in-motion break down menus) such as shown in
`FIGS. 10-13is also limited to only one page screen and no
`display scroll is available.
`Before going into details of the display examples of FIGS.
`5-13, a brief description is given regarding the basic struc-
`ture of the navigation system with reference to FIG. 3 and
`an example of remote controller for the navigation system
`with reference to FIG. 4. In the block diagram of FIG. 3, the
`navigation system includes a map storage medium 41 such
`as a CD-ROM or DVD(hereafter “DVD”) for storing map
`information, a DVD control unit 42 for controlling an
`operation for reading the map information from the DVD, a
`point measuring device 43 for measuring the present vehicle
`position which has a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a
`moving distance, a gyro for detecting a moving direction, a
`microprocessor for calculating a position, a GPS receiver,
`and etc., a map information memory 44 for storing the map
`information whichis read out from the DVD 41, a database
`memory 45 for storing database information suchas point of
`interest (POI) information whichis read out from the DVD
`41. The navigation system determines whether the vehicle is
`in motionorstationary based on, for example, a signal from
`the vehicle speed sensor in the point measuring device 43.
`The navigation system further includes a remote control-
`ler 47 for executing a menu selection operation, an enlarge/
`reduce operation, a destination input operation, etc. and a
`remote controller interface 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the
`remote controller 47 includes a joystick/enter key 47a, a
`menu key 47b, a cancel key 47c, an MP/RG key 47d, a
`zoom/scroll key 47e, a monitor ON/OFFkey 47f, and so on.
`The joystick/enter key 47a has a function as a joystick key
`for moving the cursor or vehicle current position mark,etc.,
`relatively in one of eight directions in the map or moving a
`menu bar (highlight) when selecting a desired menu item,
`and a function as an enter key for setting and inputting the
`cursor point and selecting and inputting the menu.
`Therefore, the joystick/enter key 47a will be also labcled
`simply as a joystick or enter key hereinafter.
`The menu key 47b is operated when displaying a main
`menu (stationary) or an in-motion main menu(in motion),
`
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`US 6,415,224 B1
`
`7
`and the cancel key 47c cancels the present displayed screen
`or is operated when returning the screen to an initial screen
`of the menu. The MP/RG key 47dis operated when switch-
`ing guiding modes (map guide mode and arrow mode), and
`whenenlarging/reducing the map and vertically shifting the
`highlight point in various lists. The zoom/scroll key 47e is
`operated when changing map magnification ratio upward or
`downward or scrolling listings on the display screen.
`Referring back to FIG. 3, the navigation system further
`includes a processor (CPU) 49 for controlling an overall
`operation of the navigation system, a ROM 50 for storing
`various control programssuchas a route search program and
`a map matching program necessary for navigation control, a
`RAM 51 for storing a processing result such as a guide route,
`a voice guiding unit 52 for guiding a traveling direction at
`a crossroad with spoken instructions, a display controller 53
`for generating map images (such as a map guide image and
`an arrow guide image) on the basis of the map information,
`a VRAM 54for storing the images generated by the display
`controller 53, a menu/list generating unit 55 for generating
`menu image/various list images, a synthesizing unit 56 for
`synthesizing images from the VRAM 54andthe menu/list
`generating unit 55, a monitor (display) 57, and a bus 58 for
`interfacing the above listed units in the navigation system.
`Referring back to FIG. 5, when the navigation system is
`activated,
`the system displays the locator map screen 62
`showing a vehicle current position mark VCP in the map
`image. The locator map screen 62 also showsan information
`box 63 indicating the name of the current street on which the
`vehicle is running. Typically, the currentstreet is highlighted
`or enlarged in the map image. Other information such as a
`current time, a map scale and a north pointer N are also
`shown in the locator map screen 62.
`Bypressing the menu key 475 of the remote controller 47,
`the system displays the main menu(stationary main menu)
`64 if the vehicle is stationary. The main menu 64lists several
`items including “Destination”for specifying the destination
`of travel, “Setup” for setting up the navigation system with
`a particular vehicle, adjusting various parameters such as
`system calibration, or forming sets of information to be
`displayed when the vehicle is in motion, “Information” to
`view various information including GPS status, and “Edit”
`for editing route information. Preferably, at default,
`the
`menu barhig