Navigation system with location detection mechanism and method of operation thereof

A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a multiple instances of a user location within a geofence; generating an event with a control unit based on a user count of the user location meeting or exceeding a count threshold; and generating a notification based on the event for displaying on a device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a navigation system, and more particularly to a system with location detection mechanism.

BACKGROUND ART

Modern portable consumer and industrial electronics, especially client devices such as navigation systems, cellular phones, portable digital assistants, and combination devices, are providing increasing levels of functionality to support modern life including location-based information services. Research and development in the existing technologies can take a myriad of different directions.

As users become more empowered with the growth of mobile location based service devices, new and old paradigms begin to take advantage of this new device space. There are many technological solutions to take advantage of this new device location opportunity. One existing approach is to use location information to provide navigation services such as a global positioning system (GPS) for a car or on a mobile device such as a cell phone, portable navigation device (PND) or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Location based services allow users to create, transfer, store, and/or consume information in order for users to create, transfer, store, and consume in the “real world.” One such use of location based services is to efficiently transfer or route users to the desired destination or service.

Navigation systems and location based services enabled systems have been incorporated in automobiles, notebooks, handheld devices, and other portable products. Today, these systems aid users by incorporating available, real-time relevant information, such as maps, directions, local businesses, or other points of interest (POI). The real-time information provides invaluable relevant information.

However, a navigation system without location detection mechanism has become a paramount concern for the consumer. The inability decreases the benefit of using the tool.

Thus, a need still remains for a navigation system with location detection mechanism. In view of the increasing mobility of the workforce and social interaction, it is increasingly critical that answers be found to these problems. In view of the ever-increasing commercial competitive pressures, along with growing consumer expectations and the diminishing opportunities for meaningful product differentiation in the marketplace, it is critical that answers be found for these problems. Additionally, the need to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and performance, and meet competitive pressures adds an even greater urgency to the critical necessity for finding answers to these problems. Solutions to these problems have been long sought but prior developments have not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to these problems have long eluded those skilled in the art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of operation of a navigation system including: determining a multiple instances of a user location within a geofence; generating an event with a control unit based on a user count of the user location meeting or exceeding a count threshold; and generating a notification based on the event for displaying on a device.

The present invention provides a navigation system, including: a control unit for: determining a multiple instances of a user location within a geofence, generating an event based on a user count of the user location meeting or exceeding a count threshold, generating a notification based on the event, and a communication interface, coupled to the control unit, for communicating the notification for displaying on a device.

The present invention provides a navigation system including a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions for execution, the instructions comprising: determining a multiple instances of a user location within a geofence; generating an event based on a user count of the user location meeting or exceeding a count threshold; and generating a notification based on the event for displaying on a device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the format with which navigation information is expressed is not critical to some embodiments of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, navigation information is presented in the format of (X, Y), where X and Y are two ordinates that define the geographic location, i.e., a position of a user.

In an alternative embodiment, navigation information is presented by longitude and latitude related information. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the navigation information also includes a velocity element including a speed component and a heading component.

The term “relevant information” referred to herein includes the navigation information described as well as information relating to points of interest to the user, such as local business, hours of businesses, types of businesses, advertised specials, traffic information, maps, local events, and nearby community or personal information.

The term “module” referred to herein can include software, hardware, or a combination thereof in the present invention in accordance with the context in which the term is used. For example, the software can be machine code, firmware, embedded code, and application software. Also for example, the hardware can be circuitry, processor, computer, integrated circuit, integrated circuit cores, a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), passive devices, or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 1, therein is shown a navigation system100with location detection mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system100includes a first device102, such as a client or a server, connected to a second device106, such as a client or server, with a communication path104, such as a wireless or wired network.

For example, the first device102can be of any of a variety of mobile devices, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, a notebook computer, automotive telematic navigation system, or other multi-functional mobile communication or entertainment device. The first device102can be a standalone device, or can be incorporated with a vehicle, for example a car, truck, bus, or train. The first device102can couple to the communication path104to communicate with the second device106.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described with the first device102as a mobile computing device, although it is understood that the first device102can be different types of computing devices. For example, the first device102can also be a non-mobile computing device, such as a server, a server farm, or a desktop computer. In another example, the first device102can be a particularized machine, such as a mainframe, a server, a cluster server, rack mounted server, or a blade server, or as more specific examples, an IBM System z10™ Business Class mainframe or a HP ProLiant ML™ server.

The second device106can be any of a variety of centralized or decentralized computing devices. For example, the second device106can be a computer, grid computing resources, a virtualized computer resource, cloud computing resource, routers, switches, peer-to-peer distributed computing devices, or a combination thereof.

The second device106can be centralized in a single computer room, distributed across different rooms, distributed across different geographical locations, embedded within a telecommunications network. The second device106can have a means for coupling with the communication path104to communicate with the first device102. The second device106can also be a client type device as described for the first device102. Another example, the second device106can be a particularized machine, such as a portable computing device, a thin client, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, or a cellular phone, and as specific examples, an Apple iPhone™, Android™ smartphone, or Windows™ platform smartphone.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described with the second device106as a non-mobile computing device, although it is understood that the second device106can be different types of computing devices. For example, the second device106can also be a mobile computing device, such as notebook computer, another client device, or a different type of client device. The second device106can be a standalone device, or can be incorporated with a vehicle, for example a car, truck, bus, or train.

Also for illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is shown with the second device106and the first device102as end points of the communication path104, although it is understood that the navigation system100can have a different partition between the first device102, the second device106, and the communication path104. For example, the first device102, the second device106, or a combination thereof can also function as part of the communication path104.

The communication path104can be a variety of networks. For example, the communication path104can include wireless communication, wired communication, optical, ultrasonic, or the combination thereof. Satellite communication, cellular communication, Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association standard (IrDA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) are examples of wireless communication that can be included in the communication path104. Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and plain old telephone service (POTS) are examples of wired communication that can be included in the communication path104.

Further, the communication path104can traverse a number of network topologies and distances. For example, the communication path104can include direct connection, personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN) or any combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 2, therein is shown a first example of information displayed by the navigation system100. For clarity and brevity, the discussion of an embodiment of the present invention will focus on the first device102displaying the result generated by the navigation system100. However, the second device102ofFIG. 1and the first device102can be discussed interchangeably.

A geofence202is defined as a boundary. For example, the geofence202can represent a digital representation of the boundary within a geographic area. For further example, the geofence202can include a fence dimension204.

The fence dimension204is defined as a spatial attribute of the geofence202. For example, the fence dimension204of the geofence202can include a polygon, a circle, an amorphous shape, or a combination thereof.

The geofence202can include a home geofence206, a point of interest (POI) geofence208, a user geofence210, a future geofence212, or a combination thereof. The navigation system100can generate different types of the geofence202based on a location type214, which is defined as a categorization of a physical location.

For example, the location type214can include a home location216, a POI location218, a user location220, an event location222, or a combination thereof. The location type214can be represented as a digital representation of a physical location. More specifically as an example, the location type214can be represented in longitude and latitude information.

The home geofence206is defined as the geofence202surrounding the home location216. The home location216is defined as a physical location where the user designate as the home address. The POI geofence208is defined as the geofence202surrounding the POI location218. The POI location218is defined as a physical location where of a point of interest. For example, the home location216and the POI location218can represent two different or same locations.

The user geofence210is defined as the geofence202surrounding the user location220. The user location220is defined as a physical location representing where the user of the navigation system100is at. For example, the user location220can include a personal location224, an other's location226, or a combination thereof. The personal location224is defined as a physical location of where a user of the first device102is at. The other's location226is defined as a physical location of where a different user of the first device102is at. More specifically as an example, the user and the other user can represent two different users using the navigation system100.

The future geofence212is defined as the geofence202generated in a future timeframe. The future timeframe can be represented in second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year, season, or a combination thereof. For example, the navigation system100can generate the future geofence212on a specific time and location in the future.

An event228is defined as an occasion where multiple people are gathered. For example, the event228can occur where there more than one users at a specific physical location. The event228can represent temporary meet-ups, hangouts, hops, or a combination thereof. The event can also represent permanent, persistent, repetitive, or a combination thereof occasion. An event location222is defined as a physical location where the event228is happening or happened.

The event228can include an event status230, an event duration232, an event popularity234, or a combination thereof. The event status230is defined as a condition of the event228. For example, the event status230can be represented as “just started,” “on going,” or “ended.” The event duration232is defined as a length in time of the event228. For example, the event duration232can be represented in the timeframe of second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year, season, or a combination thereof.

A travel distance236is defined as a physical distance traveled. For example, the travel distance236can represent the physical distance traveled by the user from one location to another location. A user distance238is defined as a physical distance between two different users. For example, the user distance238can represent the physical distance between the personal location224and the other's location226.

A distance threshold240is defined as a limit on the physical distance. For example, the distance threshold240can represent a minimum or maximum instance of the travel distance236. For another example, the distance threshold240can represent a minimum or maximum instance of the user distance238between two users.

A user count242is a number of users. For example the user count242represent at least 0. For further example, the user count242can represent the number of users within the geofence202, the event228, or a combination thereof. A count threshold244is a limit on the user count242. For example, the count threshold244can represent a minimum or maximum limit for the user count242.

Referring now toFIG. 3, therein is shown an example interaction between the first device102and the second device106via the communication path104. A user profile302is defined as information about the user of the navigation system100. For example, the user profile302can include an activity history304, a user activity306, a relationship level308, or a combination thereof.

The activity history304is defined as a log of an activity performed. For example, the activity history304can represent the record of the user activity306engaged by the user on the first device102. The user activity306is defined as action being performed or performed. For example, the user, the other user, or a combination thereof can perform the user activity306.

The relationship level308is defined as a degree of affinity between multiple users. For example, the relationship level308can represent “family” if the user is father of the other user. A relationship threshold310is defined as required degree of relationship. For example, the relationship threshold310can represent the user and the other user having the relationship level308of at least “friend” in order for multiple users engage in the user activity306.

For a different example, the relationship threshold310can represent the user and the other user having the relationship level308of at most “colleague” in order for multiple users share the user location220ofFIG. 2. The relationship level308can be established based on a connection within a social network site, such as Facebook™, LinkedIn™, Twitter™, or a combination thereof.

The relationship level308can change based on whether the connection establishes a one directional follow, a bidirectional follow, or a combination thereof. More specifically as an example, the one directional follow can represent the relationship level308where one user can have multiple users that are followers of that one user. For a different example, the bidirectional follow can represent the user and the other user follow each other by establishing a relationship with each via, for example, social network site, the navigation system100, or a combination thereof.

An exposure level312is the degree of disclosing a location. For example, the exposure level312can determine whether to expose the location type214ofFIG. 2. For further example, the exposure level312can change based on a zoom level314. The zoom level314is defined as a functionality to enlarge or reduce the size of a content316. For example, the user can change the zoom level314by enlarging the content316on the first device102to improve viewing capability. For a different example, the user can change the zoom level314to reduce the size of the content316displayed by the first device102.

The navigation system100can display the user location220ofFIG. 2on a map, but limiting the zoom level314to control the other user from locating the precise location of the user location220. For example, by controlling the exposure level312, the navigation system100does not allow others to see the precise location (e.g. within 0.5 mile) on the map when you are at the home location216ofFIG. 2. For each instances of the point of interest, the navigation system100can display the user profile302of other users who have previously been to location type214.

A protection radius318is defined as a boundary to limit the exposure level312of the user location220. As discussed above for example, the protection radius318can block the other user from viewing the user location220or the personal location224ofFIG. 2within a specified area. For example, the navigation system100can set the protection radius318based on the geofence202. For another example, the navigation system100can set the protection radius318having a different size as the geofence202. More specifically as an example, the protection radius318can be bigger or smaller than the geofence202. For further example, the protection radius318can be within the geofence202or the geofence202can be within the protection radius318.

When a home protection functionality for the navigation system100is active, the precise location of the personal location224can be obscured or hidden from being displayed on the first device102of the other user. Instead, the other user will see the protection radius318the personal location224of the user. The precise location of the personal location224is within the protection radius318.

The protection radius318can be applied to other situation of the user location220. For example, the protection radius318can be applied when the personal location224is outside of the home geofence206ofFIG. 2. More specifically as an example, the protection radius318can be applied when the user is within the POI geofence208to hide the user's precise location from stranger.

The content316is defined as information displayed on a device. The content316can include a notification320, a suggestion322, or a combination thereof. The notification320is an announcement to inform the user. The suggestion322is defined as a recommendation. For example, the suggestion322can be included in the notification320to inform the user of the first device102. The content316can also include a map of the geographic area where the geofence202ofFIG. 2, the location type214, or a combination thereof are established, located, or a combination thereof.

A user entry324is an input. For example, the user can make the user entry324to make an input to the first device102, the navigation system100, or a combination thereof. For example, the user entry324can represent manual input, oral command, gesture, or a combination thereof.

For further example, the user entry324can give control to user for participation and protecting their location. More specifically as an example, by giving control, the navigation system100can deliver the balance between location sharing protection for oneself and viewing others location. The user entry324can be made by sliding a sliding-on button to permit location sharing, to participate in the service provided by the present invention, to view the other's location226ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. The user can make the user entry324to slide-off and protect the user location220from being able to view by the other user.

For further example, the navigation system100can provide slide protection to turn-off location display. Additionally, the navigation system100can display the event228on a map displayed on the first device102for other users to join, share comment or digital photo/video, invite others, or a combination thereof. For a specific example, the other user can make the user entry324to join the event228hosted by the user based on the relationship level308between the user and the other user.

Referring now toFIG. 4, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram of the navigation system100. The navigation system100can include the first device102, the communication path104, and the second device106. The first device102can send information in a first device transmission408over the communication path104to the second device106. The second device106can send information in a second device transmission410over the communication path104to the first device102.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is shown with the first device102as a client device, although it is understood that the navigation system100can have the first device102as a different type of device. For example, the first device102can be a server.

Also for illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is shown with the second device106as a server, although it is understood that the navigation system100can have the second device106as a different type of device. For example, the second device106can be a client device.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention, the first device102will be described as a client device and the second device106will be described as a server device. The present invention is not limited to this selection for the type of devices. The selection is an example of the present invention.

The first device102can include a first control unit412, a first storage unit414, a first communication unit416, a first user interface418, and a location unit420. The first control unit412can include a first control interface422. The first control unit412can execute a first software426to provide the intelligence of the navigation system100. The first control unit412can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the first control unit412can be a processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. The first control interface422can be used for communication between the first control unit412and other functional units in the first device102. The first control interface422can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The first control interface422can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the first control interface422. For example, the first control interface422can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The location unit420can generate location information, current heading, and current speed of the first device102, as examples. The location unit420can be implemented in many ways. For example, the location unit420can function as at least a part of a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial navigation system, a cellular-tower location system, a pressure location system, or any combination thereof.

The location unit420can include a location interface432. The location interface432can be used for communication between the location unit420and other functional units in the first device102. The location interface432can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The location interface432can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the location unit420. The location interface432can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the first control interface422.

The first storage unit414can store the first software426. The first storage unit414can also store the relevant information, such as advertisements, points of interest (POI), navigation routing entries, or any combination thereof.

The first storage unit414can include a first storage interface424. The first storage interface424can be used for communication between the location unit420and other functional units in the first device102. The first storage interface424can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The first storage interface424can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the first storage unit414. The first storage interface424can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the first control interface422.

The first communication unit416can enable external communication to and from the first device102. For example, the first communication unit416can permit the first device102to communicate with the second device106, an attachment, such as a peripheral device or a computer desktop, and the communication path104.

The first communication unit416can also function as a communication hub allowing the first device102to function as part of the communication path104and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to the communication path104. The first communication unit416can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path104.

The first communication unit416can include a first communication interface428. The first communication interface428can be used for communication between the first communication unit416and other functional units in the first device102. The first communication interface428can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The first communication interface428can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the first communication unit416. The first communication interface428can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the first control interface422.

The first user interface418allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with the first device102. The first user interface418can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the first user interface418can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs.

The first user interface418can include a first display interface430. The first display interface430can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The first control unit412can operate the first user interface418to display information generated by the navigation system100. The first control unit412can also execute the first software426for the other functions of the navigation system100, including receiving location information from the location unit420. The first control unit412can further execute the first software426for interaction with the communication path104via the first communication unit416.

The second device106can be optimized for implementing the present invention in a multiple device embodiment with the first device102. The second device106can provide the additional or higher performance processing power compared to the first device102. The second device106can include a second control unit434, a second communication unit436, and a second user interface438.

The second user interface438allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with the second device106. The second user interface438can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the second user interface438can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs. Examples of the output device of the second user interface438can include a second display interface440. The second display interface440can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The second control unit434can execute a second software442to provide the intelligence of the second device106of the navigation system100. The second software442can operate in conjunction with the first software426. The second control unit434can provide additional performance compared to the first control unit412.

The second control unit434can operate the second user interface438to display information. The second control unit434can also execute the second software442for the other functions of the navigation system100, including operating the second communication unit436to communicate with the first device102over the communication path104.

The second control unit434can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the second control unit434can be a processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof.

The second control unit434can include a second control interface444. The second control interface444can be used for communication between the second control unit434and other functional units in the second device106. The second control interface444can also be used for communication that is external to the second device106.

The second control interface444can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the second control interface444. For example, the second control interface444can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

A second storage unit446can store the second software442. The second storage unit446can also store the relevant information, such as advertisements, points of interest (POI), navigation routing entries, or any combination thereof. The second storage unit446can be sized to provide the additional storage capacity to supplement the first storage unit414.

For illustrative purposes, the second storage unit446is shown as a single element, although it is understood that the second storage unit446can be a distribution of storage elements. Also for illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is shown with the second storage unit446as a single hierarchy storage system, although it is understood that the navigation system100can have the second storage unit446in a different configuration. For example, the second storage unit446can be formed with different storage technologies forming a memory hierarchal system including different levels of caching, main memory, rotating media, or off-line storage.

The second storage unit446can include a second storage interface448. The second storage interface448can be used for communication between the location unit420and other functional units in the second device106. The second storage interface448can also be used for communication that is external to the second device106.

The second storage interface448can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the second storage unit446. The second storage interface448can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the second control interface444.

The second communication unit436can enable external communication to and from the second device106. For example, the second communication unit436can permit the second device106to communicate with the first device102over the communication path104.

The second communication unit436can also function as a communication hub allowing the second device106to function as part of the communication path104and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to the communication path104. The second communication unit436can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path104.

The second communication unit436can include a second communication interface450. The second communication interface450can be used for communication between the second communication unit436and other functional units in the second device106. The second communication interface450can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The second communication interface450can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the second communication unit436. The second communication interface450can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the second control interface444.

The first communication unit416can couple with the communication path104to send information to the second device106in the first device transmission408. The second device106can receive information in the second communication unit436from the first device transmission408of the communication path104.

The second communication unit436can couple with the communication path104to send information to the first device102in the second device transmission410. The first device102can receive information in the first communication unit416from the second device transmission410of the communication path104. The navigation system100can be executed by the first control unit412, the second control unit434, or a combination thereof.

For illustrative purposes, the second device106is shown with the partition having the second user interface438, the second storage unit446, the second control unit434, and the second communication unit436, although it is understood that the second device106can have a different partition. For example, the second software442can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function can be in the second control unit434and the second communication unit436. Also, the second device106can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 4for clarity.

The functional units in the first device102can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The first device102can work individually and independently from the second device106and the communication path104.

The functional units in the second device106can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The second device106can work individually and independently from the first device102and the communication path104.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described by operation of the first device102and the second device106. It is understood that the first device102and the second device106can operate any of the modules and functions of the navigation system100. For example, the first device102is described to operate the location unit420, although it is understood that the second device106can also operate the location unit420.

Referring now toFIG. 5, therein is shown a control flow of the navigation system100. The navigation system100can include a boundary module502. The boundary module502generates the geofence202ofFIG. 2. For example, the boundary module502can generate the geofence202including the home geofence206ofFIG. 2, the point of interest (POI) geofence202ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof.

The boundary module502can generate the geofence202in a number of ways. For example, the boundary module502can generate the geofence202with the fence dimension204ofFIG. 2. The fence dimension204can represent a polygon, a circle, an amorphous shape, or a combination thereof. For further example, the boundary module502can generate the geofence202based on the diameter of the geofence202, the length of the periphery of the geofence202, or a combination thereof.

For another example, the boundary module502can generate multiple instances of the geofence202. One instance of the geofence202can overlap another instance of the geofence202. More specifically as an example, the fence dimension204can represent a circle. The fence dimension204of the geofence202can represent a donut or ring having the circle at the center.

For a different example, the boundary module502can generate the geofence202based on the location type214ofFIG. 2. More specifically as an example, the boundary module502can generate the home geofence206based on the home location216ofFIG. 2. The home location216can represent the user's home address. Based on the home location216, the boundary module502can generate the home geofence206surrounding the home location216. For further example, the home location216can be at the center of the home geofence206or within the home geofence206but not at the center.

For another example, the boundary module502can generate the POI geofence208based on the POI location218ofFIG. 2. The POI location218can represent the address of the POI. Based on the POI location218, the boundary module502can generate the POI geofence208surrounding the POI location218. For further example, the POI location218can be at the center of the POI geofence208or within the POI geofence208but not at the center. The boundary module502can communicate the geofence202to a location module504.

The navigation system100can include the location module504, which can couple to the boundary module502. The location module504determines the user location220ofFIG. 2. For example, the location module504can determine the user location220including the personal location224ofFIG. 2, the other's location226ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof.

The location module504can determine the user location220in a number of ways. For example, the location module504can determine the user location220with the location unit420ofFIG. 4of the first device102ofFIG. 1. More specifically as an example, the location module504can determine the personal location224to identify the physical location of the user of the first device102.

For a different example, the location module504can determine the other's location226based on the location unit420of the first device102operated by the other user. For further example, the location module504can determine the other's location226based on the relationship level308ofFIG. 3with the user. More specifically as an example, if the relationship level308of the user and the other user represents “stranger,” then the location module504may not be able to determine the other's location226. In contrast, if the relationship level308of the user and the other user represents “family,” then the location module504can determine the other's location226.

For further example, the location module504can determine the personal location224, the other's location226, or a combination thereof within the geofence202. More specifically as an example, the location module504can determine the personal location224whether the personal location224is outside of the home geofence206or within the POI geofence208. In contrast, the location module504can hide the personal location224if the personal location224is within the home geofence206to protect the privacy of the user.

For another example, the location module504can determine the personal location224, the other's location226, or a combination thereof based on the relationship level308. If the relationship level308between the user and the other user represents “family,” the location module504can determine the personal location224for other users to see even if the user is within the home geofence206. In contrast, if the relationship level308between the user and the other user is less than the relationship level308of “family,” the location module504on the first device102operated by the other user can stop determining the personal location224in the home geofence206to protect the privacy of the user.

Furthermore, the relationship level308can range from stranger to significant other. More specifically as an example, the range for the relationship level308can be represented in alphanumeric value to illustrate the various instances of the relationship level308. For example, the relationship level308can also include acquaintance, distant relative, friend, husband and wife, ex-significant other, or a combination thereof.

The user can be denoted as the first user and the other user can be denoted as the second user. However, the notation of first and second does not represent ordinal priority. But rather, the notation is used for convenience to illustrate multiple users operating the navigation system100. The location module504can communicate the user location220to the boundary module502, an event module506, or a combination thereof.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described with the boundary module502generating the home geofence206, the POI geofence208, or a combination thereof, although it is understood that the boundary module502can operate differently. For example, the boundary module502can generate the user geofence210ofFIG. 2based on the user location220.

The boundary module502can generate the user geofence210in a number of ways. For example, the boundary module502can generate the user geofence210based on the user location220. The user location220can represent the physical location detected by, for example, the location unit420of the first device102. Based on the user location220, the boundary module502can generate the user geofence210surrounding the user location220. For further example, the user location220can be at the center of the user geofence210or within the user geofence210but not at the center.

For another example, the boundary module502can generate the user geofence210based on the activity history304ofFIG. 3, the travel distance236ofFIG. 2, the user profile302ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof. More specifically as an example, the activity history304can indicate that the user is traveling from San Francisco, Calif. to New York City, N.Y. The activity history304can also indicate that the user resides in San Francisco. The location unit420can calculate the travel distance236based on the physical distance between San Francisco and New York City. If the travel distance236meets or exceeds the distance threshold240ofFIG. 2, the boundary module502can generate the user geofence210based on the user location220outside of the user's residential area.

For a different example, the boundary module502can predict and generate the future geofence212ofFIG. 2based on the activity history304, the user activity306ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof. More specifically as an example, the user activity306can indicate the user posting on a social network site indicating that the user will travel to New York City on a specific date. As stated above, the user's residence area can represent San Francisco. Since the travel distance236can meet or exceed the distance threshold240, the boundary module502can predict and generate the future geofence212on a specific date on a specific location.

The navigation system100can include the event module506, which can couple to the location module504. The event module506generates the event228ofFIG. 2. For example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the user location220, the user distance238ofFIG. 2, the distance threshold240, or a combination thereof.

The event module506can generate the event228in a number of ways. For example, the event228can also be called the hop, the hangout, or a combination thereof. The event228can represent a situation where more than one person is within the physical proximity. More specifically as an example, the event module506can generate the event228based on comparing the user distance238and the distance threshold240for determining the physical proximity.

For a specific example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the user distance238between the personal location224and the other's location226is below the distance threshold240. As a result, the event module506can determine the personal location224, the other's location226, or a combination thereof as the event location222ofFIG. 2for the event228.

For another example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the user location220within the geofence202. More specifically as an example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the personal location224, the other's location226, or a combination thereof is within the home geofence206, the POI geofence208, the user geofence210, or a combination thereof.

For further example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the user count242ofFIG. 2meeting or exceeding the count threshold244ofFIG. 2. More specifically as an example, the user count242within the geofence202can represent two. The count threshold244can represent five. If the user count242is increased from two to five or more, the event module506can generate the event228.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100generating the event228based on the user count242meeting or exceeding the count threshold244improves the accuracy of determining whether the event228is happening or not. By limiting the generation of the event228based on the user count242meeting or exceeding the count threshold244, the navigation system100can control and trigger the dynamic generation of the event228at the geographic area at a specific timeframe. As a result, the navigation system100can notify the user, the other user, or a combination thereof more efficiently and accurately if the event228is occurring or not.

For another example, the event module506can generate the event228based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310ofFIG. 3. More specifically as an example, the relationship threshold310can represent “alumni.” If the user count242for the relationship level308with the same alumni status is zero, the event module506will not generate the event228. In contrast, if there is one other person with the relationship level308that meets or exceeds the relationship threshold310, the event module506can generate the event228.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100generating the event228based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310improves the accuracy of determining whether the event228should be created or not. By limiting the generation of the event228based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310, the navigation system100can control and trigger the dynamic generation of the event228at the geographic area at a specific timeframe. As a result, the navigation system100can notify the user, the other user, or a combination thereof more efficiently and accurately if the event228is occurring or not.

The event module506can determine the event duration232ofFIG. 2based on calculating from the start time to the end time of the event228. More specifically as an example, the event module506can start the calculation of the event duration232based on the condition to generate the event228has been met as discussed above. And the event module506can end the calculation of the event duration232based the user count242, the relationship level308, or a combination thereof.

For a specific example, the event module506can determine the end of the event duration232or the event228based on the user count242below the count threshold244. For a different example, the event module506can end the event228based on the relationship level308between the user and the other user is below the relationship threshold310even if the user count242can meet or exceed the count threshold244. More specifically as an example, the event module506can delete the event228. As a result, the event228can disappear from being displayed, for example on the map, on the first device102.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100ending the event228based on the user count242below the count threshold244, the relationship level308between the user and the other user is below the relationship threshold310, or a combination thereof improves the accuracy of determining whether the event228exists or not. By limiting the ending of the event228based on the user count242below the count threshold244, the relationship level308between the user and the other user is below the relationship threshold310, or a combination thereof, the navigation system100can control and trigger the dynamic ending of the event228at the geographic area at a specific timeframe. As a result, the navigation system100can notify the user, the other user, or a combination thereof more efficiently and accurately if the event228is occurring or not.

The event module506can determine the event popularity234ofFIG. 2. More specifically as an example, the event module506can determine the event popularity234based on the user count242meeting or exceeding the count threshold244within the geofence202. The event popularity234can represent “high” or “popping” if the user count242exceeds the count threshold244. For further example, the event module506can determine the event popularity234based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310. Even if the user count242meets or exceeds the count threshold244, the event module506can determine the event popularity234to represent “high” only if the other user with the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310is at the event228. The event module506can communicate the event228to a notification module508.

The navigation system100can include the notification module508, which can couple to the event module506. The notification module508generates the notification320ofFIG. 3. For example, the notification module508can generate the notification320based on the user location220within the geofence202for delivering the notification320regarding the event228.

The notification module508can generate the notification320in a number of ways. For example, the notification module508can generate the notification320based on the personal location224, the other's location226, or a combination thereof within the home geofence206, the POI geofence208, the user geofence210, or a combination thereof.

For a different example, if the user distance238is within the distance threshold240, the notification module508can generate the notification320to notify the event228. More specifically as an example, the user distance238between the other's location226and the POI location218is under the distance threshold240. As a result, the notification module508can generate the notification320for displaying on the first device102of the other user.

For another example, the notification module508can generate the notification320based on the relationship level308. As an example, the notification module508can generate the notification320for delivering to all users if the relationship level308for delivering the notification320is set to “everyone.” For another example, the notification module508can generate the notification320for delivering to some users based on the relationship level308amongst the participants at the event228. The notification module508can control the generation and the delivery of the notification320based on the relationship level308.

For a different example, the notification module508can generate the notification320based on the event popularity234. More specifically as an example, if the event popularity234is 1 based on a range from 0 to 4 with 0 representing no popularity and 10 representing high popularity, the notification module508may not be triggered to generate the notification320. In contrast, if the event popularity234is 9, the notification module508can generate the notification320for delivering to the first device102of the users.

For another example, the notification module508can generate the notification320based on the future geofence212. More specifically as an example, the future geofence212can be generated for a specific date and location in the future. The notification module508can generate the notification320indicating the event228will be held at the specific location on the specific date within the future geofence212.

For further example, the notification module508can generate the suggestion322ofFIG. 3based on the event popularity234, the user location220, the relationship level308. The suggestion322can represent an invitation for the users who should attend the event228. For example, the user or the other user can be outside of the geofence202. The event popularity234can indicate that the event228is popular. And the relationship level308exceeds the relationship threshold310at the event228. As a result, the notification module508can generate the suggestion322to invite the user, the other user, or a combination thereof to attend the event228. The notification module508can communicate the notification320to an exposure module510.

The navigation system100can include the exposure module510, which can couple to the notification module508. The exposure module510determines the exposure level312ofFIG. 3. For example, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312based on the user location220, the zoom level314ofFIG. 3, the geofence202, the relationship level308, or a combination thereof.

The exposure module510can determine the exposure level312in a number of ways. For example, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312based on the user location220relative to the geofence202. More specifically as an example, the exposure level312can range from “no exposure” to “complete exposure” to expose or not expose the user location220on the map by displaying or not displaying the user location220on a multiple instances of the first device102of the user, the other user, or a combination thereof.

For a specific example, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312to represent “no exposure” once the personal location224is detected within the home geofence206for protecting the user's privacy. In contrast, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312to represent “some exposure” or “complete exposure” if the personal location224is detected outside of the home geofence206.

Continuing with the example, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310between the user and the other user. For example, if the relationship level308represents “husband and wife,” the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312to represent “complete exposure” of the personal location224even if the personal location224is within the home geofence206. In contrast, if the relationship level308represents “stranger,” the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312to represent “no exposure” of the personal location224even if the personal location224is outside of the home geofence206.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100determining the exposure level312based on the relationship level308meeting or exceeding the relationship threshold310between the users improves the privacy and safety of the user. By controlling the exposure level312of the user location220based on the relationship level308, the navigation system100can reduce the risk of exposing the user location220to the other user unnecessarily. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the safety and the privacy of the user operating the first device102, the navigation system100, or a combination thereof.

For a different example, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312based on the zoom level314. The zoom level314can range from 0% to 400% zoom where the 0% zoom is no zoom and 400% zoom can represent maximum zoom. More specifically as an example, if the personal location224is within the home geofence206, the exposure module510can limit the exposure level312to the protection radius318ofFIG. 3even if the zoom level314is at a maximum zoom. As an example, the protection radius318can represent 0.5 mile. The zoom level314is at a maximum zoom. The exposure module510can prohibit the exposure of the precise location of the personal location224on the map within the protection radius318to protect the user's privacy.

In contrast, if the personal location224is outside of the home geofence206, the exposure module510can determine the exposure level312to expose the precise location of the personal location224. More specifically as an example, if the personal location224is within the POI geofence208and the zoom level314is at a maximum, the exposure module510can determine the exposure to represent “complete exposure” to expose the precise location of the personal location224.

For further example, if the relationship level308between the user and the other user represents “stranger,” the exposure module510can control the degree of the exposure level312as the zoom level314on the first device102of the other user increases. More specifically as an example, as the other user increases the zoom level314on the first device102, the exposure module510can decrease the exposure level312to protect the user's privacy. As an example, if the zoom level314is at the maximum, the exposure module510can prohibit the exposure of the personal location224by eliminating the personal location224to be displayed on the first device102of the other user. Moreover, the exposure module510can control the exposure of the personal location224by not disclosing the precise location but disclosing the protection radius318instead of the personal location224.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100determining the exposure level312based on the zoom level314improves the privacy and safety of the user. By controlling the exposure level312of the user location220by disclosing the protection radius318instead, the navigation system100can reduce the risk of exposing the user location220to the other user unnecessarily. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the safety and the privacy of the user operating the first device102, the navigation system100, or a combination thereof.

For a different example, the exposure module510can control the exposure level312based on the user entry324ofFIG. 3. The user entry324can represent manual input, oral command, gesture, or a combination thereof. For example, the first device102can display a switch or a slide bar to control the exposure level312of the user location220. More specifically as an example, the user can slide the switch or the slide bar to control the exposure module510to expose or not expose the user location220.

For a different example, the user can press the button to control the exposure module510to expose or not expose the user location220. The user can control the exposure level312similarly by making an oral command to the exposure module510. The user can also control the exposure level312by performing the gesture to trigger the exposure module510to expose or not expose the user location220. The exposure module510can communicate the exposure level312to a display module512.

The navigation system100can include the display module512, which can couple to the exposure module510. The display module512displays the user location220, the event228, the geofence202, or a combination thereof. For example, the display module512can display the user location220, the event228, the geofence202, or a combination thereof for display on the map of the geographic area.

The display module512can display in a number of ways. For example, as discussed above, the display module512can control the display of the user location220based on the exposure level312. Furthermore, the display module512can control the display of the event228based on the factors discussed above as certain condition(s) can factor the generation of the event228. For further example, the display module512can display the event228for the duration specified by the event duration232. For another example, the display module512can display the geofence202, such as the user geofence210, based on the detection of the user location220in a specific geographic area. The display module512can communicate the event228, the user location220, or a combination thereof to a status module514.

The navigation system100can include the status module514, which can couple to the display module512. The status module514determines the event status230ofFIG. 2. For example, the status module514can determine the event status230as terminated based on the user location220, the event duration232, or a combination thereof.

The status module514can determine the event status230in a number of ways. For example, the status module514can determine the event status230as terminated based on the user count242below the count threshold244. More specifically as an example, if the user count242at the event228is detected to be less than the count threshold244, the status module514can terminate the event228. The status module514can communicate the event status230to the display module512, an aggregator module516, or a combination thereof.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described with the display module512controlling the display of the event228, although it is understood that the display module512can operate differently. For example, the display module512can eliminate the event228from being displayed based on the event status230of terminated.

The navigation system100can include the aggregator module516, which can couple to the status module514. The aggregator module516aggregates the content316ofFIG. 3. For example, the aggregator module516can aggregate a multiple instances of the content316based on the event228, the user location220, the relationship level308, the geofence202, or a combination thereof.

The aggregator module516can aggregate a multiple instances of the content316in a number of ways. For example, the content316can represent a digital photograph, a video, or a combination thereof taken at the event228. The aggregator module516can aggregate the multiple instances of the content316to be shared amongst the participants at the event228.

For a specific example, the aggregator module516can aggregate the multiple instances of the content316based on the event status230, the user location220, the relationship level308, the geofence202, or a combination thereof. More specifically as an example, if the event status230represents terminated, the aggregator module516can aggregate the multiple instances of the content316from the user, the other user, or a combination thereof that participated the event228. Furthermore, the aggregator module516can share the multiple instances of the content316to the participants based on the relationship level308amongst the participants. More specifically as an example, the aggregator module516can share the multiple instances of the content316to the participants sharing the relationship level308of “friend” but not sharing the content316to the participants sharing the relationship level308of “acquaintance.”

The physical transformation from traveling in and out of the geofence202results in the movement in the physical world, such as people using the first device102, the vehicle, or a combination thereof, based on the operation of the navigation system100. As the movement in the physical world occurs, the movement itself creates additional information that is converted back into generating the event228, the notification320, determining the exposure level312, the event status230, or a combination thereof for the continued operation of the navigation system100and to continue the movement in the physical world.

The first software426ofFIG. 4of the first device102ofFIG. 4can include the modules for the navigation system100. The first software426can include the boundary module502, the location module504, the event module506, the notification module508, the exposure module510, the display module512, the status module514, and the aggregator module516.

The first control unit412ofFIG. 4can execute the first software426for executing the boundary module502to generate the geofence202. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the location module504to determine the user location220. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the event module506to generate the event228.

The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the notification module508to generate the notification320. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the exposure module510to determine the exposure level312. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the display module512to display the location type214, the event228, the geofence202, or a combination thereof.

The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the status module514to determine the event status230. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for executing the aggregator module516to aggregate the content316.

The second software442ofFIG. 4of the second device106ofFIG. 4can include the modules for the navigation system100. For example, the second software442can include the boundary module502, the location module504, the event module506, the notification module508, the exposure module510, the display module512, the status module514, and the aggregator module516.

The second control unit434ofFIG. 4can execute the second software442for executing the boundary module502to generate the geofence202. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the location module504to determine the user location220. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the event module506to generate the event228.

The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the notification module508to generate the notification320. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the exposure module510to determine the exposure level312. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the display module512to display the location type214, the event228, the geofence202, or a combination thereof.

The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the status module514to determine the event status230. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for executing the aggregator module516to aggregate the content316.

The modules of the navigation system100can be partitioned between the first software426and the second software442. The second software442can include the boundary module502, the location module504, the event module506, the notification module508, the exposure module510, the status module514, and the aggregator module516.

The first software426can include the display module512. Based on the size of the first storage unit414, the first software426can include additional modules of the navigation system100. The first control unit412can execute the modules partitioned on the first software426as previously described.

The first control unit412can operate the first communication unit416ofFIG. 4to communicate the event228, the notification320, the geofence202, the location type214, the exposure level312, the event status230, or a combination thereof to or from the second device106. The first control unit412can operate the first software426to operate the location unit420. The second control unit434can operate the second communication unit436ofFIG. 4to communicate the event228, the notification320, the geofence202, the location type214, the exposure level312, the event status230, or a combination thereof to or from the first device102through the communication path104ofFIG. 4.

The first control unit412can operate the first user interface418ofFIG. 4to present the digital representation of the event228, the notification320, the geofence202, the location type214, the exposure level312, the event status230, or a combination thereof. The second control unit434can operate the second user interface438ofFIG. 4to present the digital representation of the event228, the notification320, the geofence202, the location type214, the exposure level312, the event status230, or a combination thereof.

The navigation system100describes the module functions or order as an example. The modules can be partitioned differently. For example, the location module504and the exposure module510can be combined. Each of the modules can operate individually and independently of the other modules. Furthermore, data generated in one module can be used by another module without being directly coupled to each other. For example, the event module506can receive the geofence202from the boundary module502. Further, “communicating” can represent sending, receiving, or a combination thereof the data generated to or from one to another.

The modules described in this application can be hardware implementation or hardware accelerators in the first control unit412or in the second control unit434. The modules can also be hardware implementation or hardware accelerators within the first device102or the second device106but outside of the first control unit412or the second control unit434, respectively.

The modules described in this application can be implemented as instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium to be executed by the first control unit412, the second control unit434, or a combination thereof. The non-transitory computer medium can include the first storage unit414ofFIG. 4, the second storage unit446ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof. The non-transitory computer readable medium can include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), solid-state storage device (SSD), compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or universal serial bus (USB) flash memory devices. The non-transitory computer readable medium can be integrated as a part of the navigation system100or installed as a removable portion of the navigation system100.

Referring now toFIG. 6, therein is shown a flow chart of a method600of operation of the navigation system100in a further embodiment of the present invention. The method600includes: determining a multiple instances of a user location within a geofence in a block602; generating an event with a control unit based on a user count of the user location meeting or exceeding a count threshold in a block604; and generating a notification based on the event for displaying on a device in a block606.

The resulting method, process, apparatus, device, product, and/or system is straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile, accurate, sensitive, and effective, and can be implemented by adapting known components for ready, efficient, and economical manufacturing, application, and utilization. Another important aspect of the present invention is that it valuably supports and services the historical trend of reducing costs, simplifying systems, and increasing performance. These and other valuable aspects of the present invention consequently further the state of the technology to at least the next level.