WO2009132680A1

WO2009132680A1 - Navigation device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009132680A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/003709
Authority: WO
Inventors: Breght Boschker
Original assignee: TomTom International BV
Current assignee: TomTom International BV
Priority date: 2008-05-02
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2009-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2010-11-02
Also published as: TW200946870A

Abstract

This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising a communication unit (270) for communicating with a server (302), receiving a signal from the server (302) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen and outputting the same to the processor (210) which is arranged, in response to the signal received from the communication unit (270), to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200).

Description

NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to navigation devices, methods for use with navigation devices and a system comprising a plurality of navigation devices. Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), in particular PNDs that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality. Other embodiments relate, more generally, to any type of processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning, and preferably also navigation, functionality.

Background to the Invention

Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.

In general terms, a modern PND comprises a processor, memory (at least one of volatile and non-volatile, and commonly both), and map data stored within said memory. The processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established, and additionally it is commonplace for one or more additional software programs to be provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.

Typically these devices further comprise one or more input interfaces that allow a user to interact with and control the device, and one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user. Illustrative examples of output interfaces include a visual display and a speaker for audible output. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the device (which buttons need not necessarily be on the device itself but could be on a steering wheel if the device is built into a vehicle), and a microphone for detecting user speech. In a particularly preferred arrangement the output interface display may be configured as a touch sensitive display (by means of a touch sensitive overlay or otherwise) to additionally provide an input interface by means of which a user can operate the device by touch.

Devices of this type will also often include one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which power and optionally data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device, and optionally one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Wi-Fi, Wi-Max GSM and the like.

PND devices of this type also include a GPS antenna by means of which satellite-broadcast signals, including location data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current location of the device. The PND device may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted. Typically such features are most commonly provided in in-vehicle navigation systems, but may also be provided in PND devices if it is expedient to do so.

The utility of such PNDs is manifested primarily in their ability to determine a route between a first location (typically a start or current location) and a second location (typically a destination). These locations can be input by a user of the device, by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example by postcode, street name and house number, previously stored "well known" destinations (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as sports grounds or swimming baths) or other points of interest), and favourite or recently visited destinations.

Typically, the PND is enabled by software for computing a "best" or "optimum" route between the start and destination address locations from the map data. A "best" or "optimum" route is determined on the basis of predetermined criteria and need not necessarily be the fastest or shortest route. The selection of the route along which to guide the driver can be very sophisticated, and the selected route may take into account existing, predicted and dynamically and/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about road speeds, and the driver's own preferences for the factors determining road choice (for example the driver may specify that the route should not include motorways or toll roads).

In addition, the device may continually monitor road and traffic conditions, and offer to or choose to change the route over which the remainder of the journey is to be made due to changed conditions. Real time traffic monitoring systems, based on various technologies (e.g. mobile phone data exchanges, fixed cameras, GPS fleet tracking) are being used to identify traffic delays and to feed the information into notification systems.

PNDs of this type may typically be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, but may also be formed as part of an on-board computer of the vehicle radio or indeed as part of the control system of the vehicle itself. The navigation device may also be part of a hand-held system, such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant) a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the normal functionality of the hand-held system is extended by means of the installation of software on the device to perform both route calculation and navigation along a calculated route.

Route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides an on-line route planning and navigation facility at http://www.rac.co.uk, which facility allows a user to enter a start point and a destination whereupon the server to which the user's PC is connected calculates a route (aspects of which may be user specified), generates a map, and generates a set of exhaustive navigation instructions for guiding the user from the selected start point to the selected destination. The facility also provides for pseudo three-dimensional rendering of a calculated route, and route preview functionality which simulates a user travelling along the route and thereby provides the user with a preview of the calculated route.

In the context of a PND, once a route has been calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route, optionally from a list of proposed routes. Optionally, the user may intervene in, or guide the route selection process, for example by specifying that certain routes, roads, locations or criteria are to be avoided or are mandatory for a particular journey. The route calculation aspect of the PND forms one primary function, and navigation along such a route is another primary function. During navigation along a calculated route, it is usual for such PNDs to provide visual and/or audible instructions to guide the user along a chosen route to the end of that route, i.e. the desired destination. It is also usual for PNDs to display map information on-screen during the navigation, such information regularly being updated on-screen so that the map information displayed is representative of the current location of the device, and thus of the user or user's vehicle if the device is being used for in- vehicle navigation.

An icon displayed on-screen typically denotes the current device location, and is centred with the map information of current and surrounding roads in the vicinity of the current device location and other map features also being displayed. Additionally, navigation information may be displayed, optionally in a status bar above, below or to one side of the displayed map information, examples of navigation information include a distance to the next deviation from the current road required to be taken by the user, the nature of that deviation possibly being represented by a further icon suggestive of the particular type of deviation, for example a left or right turn. The navigation function also determines the content, duration and timing of audible instructions by means of which the user can be guided along the route. As can be appreciated a simple instruction such as "turn left in 100 m" requires significant processing and analysis. As previously mentioned, user interaction with the device may be by a touch screen, or additionally or alternately by steering column mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method. A further important function provided by the device is automatic route recalculation in the event that: a user deviates from the previously calculated route during navigation (either by accident or intentionally); real-time traffic conditions dictate that an alternative route would be more expedient and the device is suitably enabled to recognize such conditions automatically, or if a user actively causes the device to perform route re-calculation for any reason.

It is also known to allow a route to be calculated with user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer a scenic route to be calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any roads on which traffic congestion is likely, expected or currently prevailing. The device software would then calculate various routes and weigh more favourably those that include along their route the highest number of points of interest (known as POIs) tagged as being for example of scenic beauty, or, using stored information indicative of prevailing traffic conditions on particular roads, order the calculated routes in terms of a level of likely congestion or delay on account thereof. Other POI-based and traffic information-based route calculation and navigation criteria are also possible. Although the route calculation and navigation functions are fundamental to the overall utility of PNDs, it is possible to use the device purely for information display, or "free-driving", in which only map information relevant to the current device location is displayed, and in which no route has been calculated and no navigation is currently being performed by the device. Such a mode of operation is often applicable when the user already knows the route along which it is desired to travel and does not require navigation assistance.

Devices of the type described above, for example the 720T model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B. V., provide a reliable means for enabling users to navigate from one position to another. However, theft or loss of such PNDs has become an increased problem. Since

PNDs are small and easily removable from a vehicle, loss or theft of PNDs is common.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In pursuit of this aim, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a navigation device (200) comprising a communication unit (270) for communicating with a server (302), receiving a signal from the server (302) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen and outputting the same to the processor (210 which is arranged, in response to the signal received from the communication unit (270), to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200).

In further pursuit of this aim, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for use in a navigation device (200), the method comprising the steps of: receiving a notification from a server (302) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen; and influencing subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200) in response to the notification.

In still further pursuit of this aim, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system, comprising: a plurality navigation devices (200); a server (302) communicatively couplable to the plurality of navigation devices; characterised in that: the server (302) is arranged to transmit a signal to a selected one of the navigation devices (200) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen; the selected navigation device (200) is arranged to respond to the indication that it is deemed to be lost or stolen.

Advantages of these embodiments are set out hereafter, and further details and features of each of these embodiments are defined in the accompanying dependent claims and elsewhere in the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a Global Positioning System (GPS); Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of electronic components arranged to provide a navigation device; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which a navigation device may receive information over a wireless communication channel;

Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrative perspective views of a navigation device; Fig. 5 is an illustrative schematic representation of a navigation device in communication with a computing device; Fig. 6 is an illustrative screenshot of software executed upon the computing device; Fig. 7 is a representative flow diagram of method steps performed by embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is an illustrative screenshot of a display device of a navigation device;

Fig. 8 is a further illustrative screenshot of software executed upon the computing device; and

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of the software employed by the navigation device.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. It should be remembered, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs but are instead universally applicable to any type of processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning and navigation functionality. It follows therefore that in the context of the present application, a navigation device is intended to include (without limitation) any type of route planning and navigation device, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into a vehicle, or indeed a computing resource (such as a desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile telephone or portable digital assistant (PDA)) executing route planning and navigation software.

It will also be apparent from the following that the teachings of the present invention even have utility in circumstances where a user is not seeking instructions on how to navigate from one point to another, but merely wishes to be provided with a view of and/or information on a given location. In such circumstances the "destination" location selected by the user need not have a corresponding start location from which the user wishes to start navigating, and as a consequence references herein to the "destination" location or indeed to a "destination" view should not be interpreted to mean that the generation of a route is essential, that travelling to the "destination" must occur, or indeed that the presence of a destination requires the designation of a corresponding start location.

With the above provisos in mind, Fig. 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices. Such systems are known and are used for a variety of purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users. Formerly known as NAVSTAR₁ the 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 frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be, determined with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.

As shown in Figure 1 , the GPS system is denoted generally by reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit about the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver 140 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 transmission 160, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 120. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the GPS receiver device 140 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.

Figure 2 is an illustrative representation of electronic components of a navigation device 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.

The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information; and the display screen 240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In a particularly preferred arrangement the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input so that a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 240 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons. The navigation device may include an output device 260, for example an audible output device (e.g. a loudspeaker). As output device 260 can produce audible information for a user of the navigation device 200, it is should equally be understood that input device 240 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well. In the navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 220 via a connection 225, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 240 and output device 260, via output connections 245, to output information thereto. Further, the processor 210 is operatively connected to memory 230 via connection 235 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O) ports 270 via connection 275, wherein the I/O port 270 is connectible to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device 200. The external I/O device 280 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The connection to I/O device 280 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some other network for example.

Fig. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 210 and an antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255, wherein the antenna/receiver 250 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 250 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 helical antenna for example. Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in Fig. 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in Fig. 2 are considered to be within the scope of the present application. For example, the components shown in Fig. 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.

In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Fig. 2 can be connected or "docked" in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorbike, a car or a boat for example. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the navigation device 200 may establish a "mobile" or telecommunications network connection with a server 302 via a mobile device (not shown) (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology) establishing a digital connection (such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the mobile device can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a "mobile" network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a "real-time" or at least very "up to date" gateway for information.

The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using an internet (such as the World Wide Web) for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.

As such, an internet connection may be utilised which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)- connection (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the internet). The navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the internet and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example.

The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, or optionally using the internal antenna of the navigation device 200). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card (e.g. Subscriber Identity Module or SIM card), complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device.

For GRPS phone settings, a Bluetooth enabled navigation device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated.

In Fig. 3 the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 302 via a generic communications channel 318 that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.).

The server 302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The processor 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver. Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302.

The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes processor, memory, etc. as previously described with regard to Fig. 2, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.

Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. Another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200. The communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. Both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel. The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.

In one illustrative arrangement, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication. The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology. For example, the signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication technology such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.

The server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. The server 302 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.

The server 302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet. The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.

As indicated above in Fig. 2, a navigation device 200 includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. The input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through a touch panel screen, for example. Such a screen may be a touch input LCD screen, for example, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device 241 , such as audio input/output devices for example.

Figs 4A and 4B are perspective views of a navigation device 200. As shown in Fig. 4A, the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes an integrated input and display device 290 (a touch panel screen for example) and the other components of fig. 2 (including but not limited to internal GPS receiver 250, microprocessor 210, a power supply, memory systems 230, etc.).

The navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 292, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc, using a suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.

As shown in Fig. 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to an arm 292 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device 292 to the arm 292 for example. The navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of Fig. 4B. To release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example. Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation device to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to Figure 5, the navigation device 200 is shown operatively connected to a computing device 400 via a communications channel 350. The computing device 400 is a computing device of a user, such as a home computer, a laptop computer, a PDA or other computing device with which the navigation device 200 may communicate via communications channel 350. The communications channel 350 is established via the I/O port 270 of the navigation device 200 and may be a wired connection, such as a USB connection, or a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.

The computing device 400 comprises a processor 402 arranged to execute application software operatively stored in a memory 404 which is coupled to the processor 402 via an appropriate communications interface such as a bus, persistent data storage 406, such as a solid-state memory device, a hard disk or other magnetic storage device, or an optical storage device, such as a DVD drive, for persistently storing data and software for execution by the processor 402, and a network interface 408 which couples to a communications network, such as the Internet, to allow the computing device to communicate with the server 302 over the communications network.

In use, when the computing device 400 is first connected to the navigation device 200, the navigation device 200 is arranged to transmit identification information uniquely identifying that navigation device 200 to the computing device 400. The identification information is, in a preferred embodiment, a serial number of the navigation device 200 which is stored in the memory 230 of the navigation device 200. The navigation device 200 may also transmit other information to the computing device 400, such as model information e.g. a model number of the navigation device 200, owner information, if stored in the navigation device by the user, date of first usage of the navigation device 200, and personal data, such as home location, favourite destinations, routes predetermined by the user etc. The computing device 400, upon receiving said information, is arranged to store the received information in the persistent storage 406 for later use. It will be realised however, that it is also possible for information such as a serial number of the navigation device 200 to be manually entered into software executing upon the computing device 400 by a user.

In the event that the navigation device 200 is deemed by the user to be lost or stolen, the user is able to notify the server 302 using the computing device 400 of the deemed loss or theft of the navigation device 200. Figure 6 shows an example screenshot 500 taken from a display device of, or attached to, the computing device 400 of software executed by processor 402 of computing device 400. The software 500 comprises a graphical icon 501 labelled "Report my device stolen" which can be activated by a user in the event that the navigation device 200 is lost or stolen. It will be realised, however, that other suitable controls exist, such as menu items etc., for activating the same software function. When the icon 501 is activated, the computing device 400 is arranged to transmit the identification information previously obtained from the navigation device 200, and stored in the persistent storage 406, to the server 302, along with an indication that the identified navigation device 200 is deemed to be lost or stolen.

Other methods of informing the server 302 that the navigation device 200 has been lost or stolen are also envisaged. In another embodiment, the user may have previously manually recorded the identification information identifying the navigation device 200. The user is then able to provide the identification information to an operator via a telecommunications link, such as the telephone. The operator may then enter the identification information into an operator terminal communicatively coupled to the server 302. Alternatively, the user may enter the identification information into a stand-alone communications device, such as a mobile phone, which can communicate the information to the server 302. For example, the mobile phone may send the identification information to the server 302 in a Short Message Service (SMS) message along with an indication that the navigation device 200 has been lost or stolen.

Once the server 302 has received the notification informing of the navigation device 200 being lost or stolen, the server 302 is arranged to communicate a lost or stolen notification to the navigation device 200.

In the preferred embodiment, the server 302 is arranged to communicate the lost or stolen notification to the navigation device 200 via the communications channel 318. The communications channel 318 may be, for example, a mobile communications channel 318 established via GPRS or the like whilst the navigation device 200 is mobile. Alternatively, the communications channel 318 may be established via a host computing device 400 to which the navigation device is periodically connected. For example, the communications channel 318 may be formed via the Internet between the server 302 and a computing device 400, and the computing device 400 and the navigation device 200 via a local interface such as USB. Alternatively, the communications channel 318 may be formed over-the-air using radio waves.

When the navigation device 200 receives the lost or stolen notification from the server 302, a lost or stolen module (955) of the navigation device 200 is activated to take one or more appropriate actions, as will be explained. A choice of appropriate action may have been previously designated by a user when in possession of the navigation device 200. Therefore, the memory 230 may contain an indication of the appropriate action(s) to be taken by the lost or stolen module (955) upon the navigation device 200 receiving the lost or stolen notification from the server 302. Alternatively, the lost or stolen notification may contain information instructing the lost or stolen module (955) upon one or more appropriate actions to be taken in response to receiving the notification.

Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of method steps according to present invention. The method starts in step 700. In step 701 , it is determined whether the navigation device has been lost or stolen. If in step 701 , it is determined that the navigation device has been lost or stolen, then the method moves to step 702, wherein the navigation device 200 is identified to the server 302 as having been lost or stolen. In the preferred embodiment, the navigation device 200 is identified to the server 302 as having been lost or stolen by the computing device 400 transmitting to the server 302 the identification information previously obtained from the navigation device 200, along with an indication that the navigation device has been lost or stolen. In step 703, a lost or stolen notification is communicated to the navigation device 200 from the server 302. In step 704 the navigation device activates the lost or stolen module (955) to take appropriate action in response to the received notification. The method ends in step 705.

In one embodiment, the appropriate action to be taken by the lost or stolen module (955) of the navigation device 200 in step 704 is a modification in the functionality of the navigation device 200. The modification in functionality may vary in severity from a total loss of functionality, through to the navigation device 200 displaying, on the display device 240, an indication that it has apparently been lost or stolen, before allowing normal operation of the navigation device 200. In another embodiment, upon receipt of the lost or stolen notification, the lost or stolen module (955) of the navigation device 200 is arranged to disable one or more hardware functions. In on embodiment, the navigation device is arranged to completely disable itself. This may be achieved through the processor 210 outputting a disable signal to one or more e-fuses, for example, which are arranged to disable one or more critical operating units of the navigation device 200. In this case, the navigation device 200 is not easily reactivated so the loss of functionality is near-permanent.

In another embodiment, one or more predetermined functional elements of software executed by the navigation device 200 may be disabled by the lost or stolen module (955). For example, map data currently stored in the navigation device may be disabled. Further, a map activation function for activating newly downloaded map data may be disabled to prevent the navigation device from activating new map data. Alternatively, a positioning function of the navigation device 200 may be disabled, such that the navigation device 200 is unable to determine its current location. In a further alternative, a route planning function may be disabled to prevent the navigation device 200 providing route guidance. In a still further alternative, a functionality of the device may be reduced or limited, for example, by not showing a detailed map view. In another alternative, I/O functionality of the navigation device may be disabled so that the navigation device 200 is unable to communicate with external devices, such as the server 302 or a computing device 400. This maybe achieved by disabling a USB port, GPRS receiver etc. of the navigation device 200 to make the internal memory 230 inaccessible, thus preventing unauthorised tampering. In another alternative, the navigation device 200 may be configured to display a message to the user indicating that it appears to have been lost or stolen. The message may be displayed upon start up or periodically during operation. When displayed upon start up, the message may prevent further functions of the navigation device 200 being obtained. Figure 8 shows a screenshot of a navigation device 200 which has received a notification of being lost or stolen from the server 302 and is arranged to display a notification message 800 to the user which prevents access to functionality of the navigation device 200. In yet another alternative, the navigation device 200 may be configured to disable any updates or subscriptions previously stored or activated upon the navigation device 200. This prevents the owner of the navigation device being charged for further services obtained or used by the navigation device 200.

It is also desired to prevent a user's private data, such as home location, favourite destinations or any other personalised information, stored upon the navigation device 200 being obtained and/or utilised by persons finding or having stolen the navigation device 200. In order to prevent this, the preferred embodiment of lost or stolen module (955) of the navigation device 200 is arranged, upon receiving the lost or stolen notification from the server 302, to either encrypt or erase the user's private data. Encryption may be performed with a public key of a private/public key pair, wherein the private key is stored upon the computing device 400 or server 302 for later use to decrypt the private data in the case the navigation device 200 is returned to user or found.

It will be realised that the above-mentioned alternatives may be combined in any combination, such that the functionality or operability of the navigation device 200 becomes modified in response to the lost or stolen notification received from the server 302; any appropriate messages are displayed to a user; and/or private data is prevented from unauthorised access.

In a still further alternative or additional operation, the lost or stolen module (955) of the navigation device 200 may be arranged to communicate a predetermined number of previously used routes and/or visited locations to the server 302 in response to the lost or stolen notification. The routes and/or locations may be communicated in encrypted form to the server 302 to prevent unintentional disclosure. This information may be used to assist authorities in retrieving the navigation device 200.

If it is later realised that the navigation device 200, has not, in fact, been lost or stolen, then the identification of the navigation device 200 as being lost or stolen may be revoked in order to revert the functionality of the navigation device 200 back to normal. The notification may be revoked by user activation of a control or icon similar to icon 501 in software 500 executed on the computing device 400. The software 500 then communicates the revocation and identification information of the navigation device 200 to the server 302. If the notification of being lost or stolen has not yet been communicated to the navigation device 200 by the server 302, then the server 302 internally cancels the intended lost or stolen notification. If the lost or stolen notification has already been communicated to the navigation device 200, then the server 302 is arranged to communicate the lost or stolen revocation to the navigation device 200. Upon receipt of the lost or stolen revocation message, the navigation device 200 is arranged to revert to a previous configuration and functionality, if possible. Following the computing device 400 informing the server 302 that the navigation device is deemed to be lost or stolen, the software 500 of computing device 400 may offer the user an opportunity to output a hard copy of any stored information identifying the navigation device 200. This hard copy may then be provided to any relevant persons or organisations, such as the police and/or insurance company, to verify ownership or purchase of the navigation device 200.

As shown in Figure 9, following activation of the lost or stolen icon 501 , the software 500 may also provide a user with an indication 900 of a suggested replacement navigation device, which may based upon knowledge of the previous navigation device's model number. The suggestion may be based, at least in part, upon information about currently available navigation devices obtained from the server 302. Further, the software 500 may present information 910 about points of sale available in a local area obtained from the server 302.

Assuming that the navigation device 200 is not recovered by the owner, a new navigation device 200 may then be purchased by the user and used in conjunction with the computing device 400. Upon first connection of the new navigation device 200 to the computing device 400, the software 500 may provide the user with an opportunity to load stored data, such as user preference data, onto the new navigation device 200 in order to facilitate configuration of the navigation device 200 to a user's settings.

Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, shows an operative arrangement of the hardware and software elements of the navigation device 200. The processor 210 and memory 230 cooperate to establish a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 930 that functions as an interface between the functional hardware components 920 of the navigation device 200 and the software executed by the device. The processor then loads from memory 210 an operating system 940 which provides an environment in which application software 950 (implementing some or all of the above-described route planning and navigation functionality) can run. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, part of this functionality comprises a lost or stolen module 955, the function of which is to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device 200 once the lost or stolen notification has been received from the server 302. Embodiments of the present invention allow a functionality of a navigation device

200 to be changed in response to receiving a notification that the navigation device is deemed to be lost or stolen. Advantageously, this reduces the attractiveness of lost or stolen navigation devices. Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention prevent unauthorised access to a user's private data stored upon a navigation device, once that navigation device is deemed to be lost or stolen. It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, whilst embodiments described in the foregoing detailed description refer to GPS, it should be noted that the navigation device may utilise any kind of position sensing technology as an alternative to (or indeed in addition to) GPS. For example the navigation device may utilise using other global navigation satellite systems such as the European Galileo system. Equally, it is not limited to satellite based but could readily function using ground based beacons or any other kind of system that enables the device to determine its geographic location.

It will also be well understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that whilst the preferred embodiment implements certain functionality by means of software, that functionality could equally be implemented solely in hardware (for example by means of one or more ASICs (application specific integrated circuit)) or indeed by a mix of hardware and software. As such, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to being implemented in software.

Lastly, it should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specifically enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.

Claims

1. A navigation device (200) comprising: a communication unit (270) for communicating with a server (302); and a processor (210); characterised in that: the communication unit (270) is arranged for receiving a signal from the server (302) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen and outputting the same to the processor (210); and wherein the processor (210) is arranged, in response to the signal received from the communication unit (270), to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200).

2. The navigation device of claim 1 , wherein the processor (270) is arranged to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200) by limiting a functionality of the navigation device (200).

3. The navigation device of claim 2, wherein the processor (270) is arranged to limit the functionality of the navigation device (200) by preventing access to one or more functions of the navigation device (200).

4. The navigation device of claim 1. 2 or 3, wherein the processor (270) is arranged to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device by displaying a notification message upon a display device (240) of the navigation device (200).

5. The navigation device of any preceding claim, wherein the processor (270) is arranged to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200) by preventing access to private data stored in a memory (230) of the navigation device (200).

6. The navigation device of claim 5, wherein the processor (270) is arranged to encrypt or delete the private data stored in the memory (230) of the navigation device (200).

7. The navigation device of claim 1, wherein the processor (270) is arranged to influence subsequent behaviour of the navigation device by retrieving location data from a memory (230) of the navigation device (200) and transmitting the location data to the server (302) via the communication unit (270).

8. A method for use in a navigation device (200), the method characterised by the steps of: receiving a notification from a server (302) indicating that the navigation device

(200) is deemed to be lost or stolen; and influencing subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200) in response to the notification.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the influencing of the subsequent behaviour of the navigation device (200) is performed by one or more of limiting a functionality of the navigation device (200), displaying an indication upon a display device (240) that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen, preventing access to personal data stored in a memory (230) of the navigation device (200), and/or transmitting location information to the server (302).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the limiting of the functionality of the navigation device (200) comprises preventing access to one or more sub-systems of the navigation device (200).

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the preventing access to personal data stored in the memory (230) of the navigation device (200) comprises encrypting or deleting the personal data.

12. A system, comprising: a plurality navigation devices (200); a server (302) communicatively couplable to the plurality of navigation devices; characterised in that: the server (302) is arranged to transmit a signal to a selected one of the navigation devices (200) indicating that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen; the selected navigation device (200) is arranged to respond to the indication that it is deemed to be lost or stolen.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the selected navigation device is arranged to respond to the indication by one or more of providing a limited functionality, displaying an indication upon a display device (240) that the navigation device (200) is deemed to be lost or stolen, prevent access to personal data stored in a memory (230) of the navigation device (200), and/or transmit location information to the server (302).

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, comprising one or more user computing devices (400) in communication with the server, wherein a computing device (400) is arranged to transmit identification information identifying the selected navigation device (200) to the server (200).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computing device (400) is further arranged to transmit an indication revoking the deemed loss of theft of the navigation device (200) to the sever (302).