TWI420076B - Personal navigation device which provides portable electronic map and related navigating method - Google Patents

Description

Personal navigation device and related navigation method capable of providing mobile electronic map

The invention relates to a personal navigation device and related navigation method, in particular to a personal navigation device and related navigation method capable of providing an action electronic map.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a mid-range circular orbit satellite navigation system that provides accurate positioning, speed measurement and high-precision time standards for most areas of the Earth's surface (98%). GPS-based personal navigation devices are well-known devices and are widely used in the automotive field, and their basic functions include providing a map database for displaying navigational indications on the screen of the personal navigation device. In order to provide navigation information so that the user can smoothly reach a destination from a starting point, the personal navigation device needs to have a positioning function, which can use an internal system (such as a GPS receiver) to receive location information, or only can be connected to A device that can receive a receiver of location data. The personal navigation device itself can provide the function of calculating the route itself, or communicate with a remote server, which calculates the route and provides navigation information to the personal navigation device. Alternatively, the personal navigation device may be a mixture of the above two modes, that is, the personal navigation device itself and the remote server are involved in the process of route calculation. The personal navigation device is usually elastically placed in the vehicle in an adsorption manner or other manner of erection, so that the user can use it in the vehicle or disassemble it to carry it there. Generally (not necessarily The condition is that the personal navigation device is a fully equipped device, such as an internal GPS antenna, a navigation software, and a map database, so that the route to be traveled can be depicted and displayed.

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a person navigation device 100 in the prior art. The personal navigation device 100 includes a screen 12, a GPS receiver 14, a processor 16, a user interface 18, and a memory 20. The GPS receiver 14 is configured to receive a position signal, and the processor 16 can calculate the current coordinates of the personal navigation device 20 based on the position signal. The GPS receiver 14 is used to receive the current coordinates of the personal navigation device 100, and the processor 16 is used to control the operation of the personal navigation device 100. The memory 20 stores a map database 32 and a route planning software 34. After the user selects or inputs the information of the destination through the user interface 18, the route planning software 34 finds all possible travel routes from the map database 32 according to the current coordinates of the personal navigation device 100 and the coordinates of the destination. The best route of travel is then displayed on the screen 12 to provide navigation.

Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic diagram of a navigation method in the prior art. The user can proceed from a departure point A to a destination B according to the suggested route of the personal navigation device 100 (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2). Since the destination B location does not necessarily provide parking spaces, users may need to find empty parking spaces in nearby parking locations C1~C3. If you are unfamiliar with the surrounding area of destination B, it may take some time for the user to properly travel from the actual parking location to destination B after stopping the vehicle. In the event that the actual parking location cannot be determined, the user cannot get it before departure. A navigational indication from the actual parking location to the destination. If the personal navigation device 100 is used after parking to obtain the navigation instruction to the destination, the user needs to disassemble the personal navigation device 100 and carry it back, and then reinstall it during the return trip, causing inconvenience in use. If you follow the navigation instructions in your brain, there is a possibility of memory errors. On the other hand, although the light and thin regional paper map is convenient to carry, if you go to an unfamiliar area, you have to worry about obtaining a local regional map, which is not in line with the usage habits of ordinary people; Detailed, but inevitably thick and difficult to carry around, generally only in the car for reference.

The invention provides a personal navigation device capable of providing an action electronic map, comprising a casing; a screen mounted on the casing for displaying a navigation indication from a departure point to a destination; an electronic paper to Removably connected to the housing for storing and displaying a detailed map including a region within a predetermined range around the destination; a receiver disposed in the housing for receiving a position signal; a memory, a route planning software disposed in the housing; a processor disposed in the housing for calculating a current coordinate of the personal navigation device according to the position signal, and executing the route planning software to The coordinates of the current coordinates and the destination are obtained from a map database, and the detailed map is obtained from the map database after receiving a print command.

The invention further provides a navigation method capable of providing an action electronic map, which comprises Providing a navigation indication on a person navigation device according to a departure point and a destination coordinate; when entering a predetermined range around the destination, downloading a detailed map related to the predetermined range to an electronic paper, wherein the electronic The paper is detachably coupled to the housing of the personal navigation device; and upon reaching a predetermined location within the predetermined range, the electronic paper is removed from the housing of the personal navigation device as an electronic action map .

Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a functional block diagram of a person navigation device 200 in the present invention. The personal navigation device 200 includes a screen 12, a GPS receiver 14, a processor 16, a user interface 18, a memory 20, and an electronic paper (E-paper) 22. The GPS receiver 14 is configured to receive a position signal, and the processor 16 can calculate the current coordinates of the personal navigation device 200 based on the position signal. The memory 20 stores a map database 32 and a route planning software 34. After the user selects or enters the destination information through the user interface 18, the processor 16 executes the route planning software 34 to find all from the map database 32 based on the coordinates of the current coordinates and destination of the personal navigation device 200. A possible route of travel is then displayed on the screen 12 to provide navigation. The electronic paper 22 is detachably coupled to the personal navigation device 200 for storing and displaying a detailed map containing one of the regions within a predetermined range around the destination. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the map database is stored in the memory 20; in other embodiments, the map database may also be obtained by the network, such as by a google map.

Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram of a navigation method according to the present invention. The user can proceed from a departure point A to a destination B according to the suggested route of the personal navigation device 200 (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4). At the same time, the present invention also provides a detailed map M0~M3 including the area between the actual parking place and the destination B, and then stores the detailed map in the electronic paper 22. In an embodiment of the present invention, after entering a predetermined range around the destination B, the user can issue a "print" command, and the personal navigation device 200 can obtain the surrounding area from the map database 32. A detailed map (for example, M0) of one of the areas within the predetermined range; in another embodiment of the present invention, the user may issue a "print" command after stopping the vehicle, at which time the personal navigation device 200 according to the personal navigation device 200 The coordinates of the current coordinates (eg, parking location C1, C2, or C3) and destination B are obtained from the map database 32 to obtain a detailed map of the corresponding area (eg, M1, M2, or M3), or from the map database 32. A detailed map (for example, M1, M2 or M3) of the corresponding area is obtained from a region within a predetermined range around the current coordinates (for example, parking place C1, C2 or C3) of the personal navigation device 200, and the detailed map is stored in the electronic paper. 22 inside.

After stopping the vehicle, the user can easily take the electronic paper 22 out of the body of the personal navigation device 200 to carry it with him, and then refer to the detailed map of the electronic paper 22 at any time to go to the destination B. As a result, users don't have to worry about getting lost because of unfamiliar road conditions. At the same time, the detailed map of the electronic paper 22 memory can indicate the way to the destination B, and also includes the information of the point of interest (POI) (for example, the location of a convenience store, bank or bakery near the destination B, etc.) ), the user can go to the office before and after the appointment (for example, go to the convenience store to pay, go to the bank to send money or go to the bakery to buy) Buy breakfast, etc.).

Compared with the conventional conventional carbon fiber paper, the electronic paper 22 used in the present invention is a conductive polymer material containing a plurality of microcapsules. Each microcapsule contains an electrophoretic fluid and suspended pigment particles to form an electronic ink, the size of which represents the display pixel size. The electronic paper 22 is driven by an external voltage: when a negative electric field is applied over the microcapsules, the positively charged white particles move over the microcapsules, while the negatively charged black or colored particles move below the microcapsules. The microcapsules show white; conversely, when a positive electric field is applied over the microcapsules, the positively charged white particles move below the microcapsules, while the negatively charged black or colored particles move over the microcapsules. Capsules show the color of black or colored particles. The electronic paper 22 has the characteristics of thin and bistable shape, and consumes power when updating the screen, so the time for storing the detailed map is far longer than the time required for the user to go from the parking lot to the destination B, and Carry it with you easily without burden.

The present invention can use different ways to set the electronic paper 22, and the electronic paper 22 can be detachably connected to the casing of the personal navigation device 200, so that the user can easily take the electronic paper 22 out and carry it after the data download is completed. There is no need to completely remove the entire body of the personal navigation device 200 from the outside of the vehicle. Please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the personal navigation device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the appearance of the housing of the personal navigation device 200. The screen 12 can be disposed on the housing of the personal navigation device 200, and the user interface 18 can be provided by the touch screen 12 having a touch function. The control panel of the personal navigation device 200 is further provided with control buttons such as a power button 52 and a print button 54 for the user to transmit electricity. The source key 52 is used to turn on/off the personal navigation device 200, and a "print" command is issued through the print key 54. The personal navigation device 200 is of a slide-removable design and has a slot 50 in its housing for receiving the electronic paper 22. The GPS receiver 14, the processor 16, and the memory 20 shown in Fig. 4 are provided in the casing of the personal navigation device 200, and thus are not shown in Fig. 5. When the user arrives at the destination B according to the navigation instruction and stops the car nearby, the following key 54 can be pressed at this time to display a detailed map of the parking area and the surrounding area of the destination B (for example, M0~M3 in Fig. 4) The image is downloaded into the electronic paper 22, and the electronic paper 22 is taken out for carrying.

Please refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a personal navigation device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The personal navigation device 200 of the first and second embodiments of the present invention is similar in structure, except that the electronic paper 22 of the second embodiment is a flexible electronic paper which is formed on a flexible plastic substrate. Therefore, it has the function of repeatable bending, which not only is closer to the use of traditional paper, but also provides a larger screen under the same body size limit, so that users can read the detailed map more clearly.

Please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a personal navigation device 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The personal navigation device 200 of the first and third embodiments of the present invention is similar in structure, except that the personal navigation device 200 of the third embodiment adopts an external design, and further includes a connecting device 70, and the electronic paper 22 can pass through the connecting device. 70 receiving data. In the process of the user going from the departure point to the destination B according to the navigation instruction, the electronic paper 22 can be connected to the body of the personal navigation device 200 through the connecting device 70 (Case 1), or can be placed at the location (Case 2). One or the second case does not affect the invention. Line navigation operations. When the user arrives at the destination B according to the navigation instruction and stops the car nearby, at this time, directly press the following key (Case 1) or insert the electronic paper 22 into the connecting device 70 and then press the following key (Case 2). Further, a detailed map including the parking area and the surrounding area of the destination B (for example, M0 to M3 in FIG. 4) is downloaded into the electronic paper 22, and the electronic paper 22 is taken out for carrying.

8 to 10, FIGS. 8 to 10 are schematic views of the personal navigation device 200 in the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention. In the personal navigation device 200 of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the print key 54 is additionally disposed on the casing of the personal navigation device 200, and the user can issue a print instruction by pressing the following key 54; In the personal navigation device 200 of the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention, the print key 54 is a soft key 54 provided by the touch screen 12, and the user can touch the print through a finger or a stylus. The key 54 is up to the print indication.

In addition to providing the functionality of the mobile electronic map, the electronic paper 22 of the present invention can also provide an anti-theft function. Taking the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as an example, when the user turns on the personal navigation device 200 through the power button 52, the personal navigation device 200 determines whether the electronic paper 22 can be successfully read: if the electronic paper 22 is successfully read, the individual The navigation device 200 performs subsequent navigation operations; if the electronic paper 22 cannot be read, the personal navigation device 200 will not be able to boot smoothly. In other words, after the user removes the electronic paper 22 from the vehicle, the personal navigation device 200 cannot operate normally, and thus the electronic paper 22 can also provide an anti-theft function.

The electronic paper 22 of the present invention can be a flexible electronic paper. The present invention can be used to set the electronic paper 22 in different ways, and the electronic paper 22 can also adopt different shapes. 5 through 10 are merely examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. When the user cannot go directly to the destination from the starting point for some reason, but needs to go to the destination from somewhere near the destination, the personal navigation device of the present invention can use the electronic paper to provide an electronic map for convenient carrying, so that the user does not need to use Worried that they will get lost because of unfamiliar road conditions. At the same time, the present invention can also provide information about various points of interest in the vicinity of the destination, allowing the user to flexibly arrange other trips. In addition, the electronic paper of the present invention can also provide an anti-theft function, so that the personal navigation device after the electronic paper is taken out cannot operate normally.

The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and all changes and modifications made to the scope of the present invention should be within the scope of the present invention.

12. . . Screen

14. . . GPS receiver

16. . . processor

18. . . user interface

20. . . Memory

twenty two. . . Electronic paper

32. . . Map database

34. . . Route planning software

50. . . Slot

52. . . Power button

54. . . Print key

70. . . Coupling device

A. . . Starting point

M0~M3. . . Detailed map

B. . . destination

C1～C3. . . Parking place

100, 200. . . Personal navigation device

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a prior art navigation device.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a navigation method in the prior art.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a person's navigation device in the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a navigation method in the present invention.

5 to 10 are schematic views of a personal navigation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

12‧‧‧ screen

14‧‧‧GPS Receiver

16‧‧‧ Processor

18‧‧‧User interface

20‧‧‧ memory

22‧‧‧Electronic paper

32‧‧‧Map Database

34‧‧‧ route planning software

200‧‧‧personal navigation device

Claims (13)

A personal navigation device capable of providing an action electronic map, comprising: a casing; a screen mounted on the casing for displaying a navigation indication from a departure point to a destination; an electronic paper (E-paper) Removably connected to the housing for storing and displaying a detailed map including a region within a predetermined range around the destination; a receiver disposed in the housing for receiving a position signal; a memory disposed in the housing and having a memory planning software; and a processor disposed in the housing for calculating a current coordinate of the personal navigation device according to the position signal, and executing the route planning The software obtains the navigation indication from a map database according to the current coordinates and the coordinates of the destination, and obtains the detailed map from the map database after receiving a print command. The personal navigation device of claim 1, further comprising: a slot disposed on one side of the housing for receiving the electronic paper. The personal navigation device of claim 1, further comprising: a connecting device disposed on one side of the housing for carrying the electronic paper. The personal navigation device of claim 1, further comprising: A control button is disposed on the surface of the housing for issuing the print command. The personal navigation device of claim 1, wherein the control key is a software key displayed on the screen. The personal navigation device of claim 1, wherein the electronic paper is used to store and display the detailed map from a parking location to the destination, wherein the parking location is within the predetermined range. The personal navigation device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the personal navigation device can successfully read the electronic paper when the computer is turned on, and control the personal navigation device after reading the electronic paper. Provide this navigation indication. The personal navigation device of claim 1, wherein the electronic paper is a flexible electronic paper. A navigation method capable of providing an action electronic map, comprising: providing a navigation indication on a person navigation device according to a departure point and a destination coordinate; providing an indication of how to proceed from a one when entering a predetermined range around the destination The parking place goes to a detailed map of the destination; after arriving at the parking place, the detailed map is downloaded to an electronic paper, wherein the electronic paper is detachably connected to the casing of the personal navigation device, and the The parking location is within the predetermined range; and upon arrival at one of the predetermined locations within the predetermined range, the electronic paper is removed from the housing of the personal navigation device as an electronic map of the action. The navigation method of claim 9, further comprising: displaying the detailed map on the electronic paper on the way from the predetermined location to the destination. The navigation method of claim 9, wherein downloading the detailed map to the electronic paper system downloads the detailed map to a flexible electronic paper. The navigation method of claim 9, further comprising: determining whether the personal navigation device can successfully read the electronic paper when booting; and displaying the navigation indication on the personal navigation device after reading the electronic paper One on the screen. The navigation method of claim 9, further comprising: providing the detailed map including point of interest (POI) information within the predetermined range.