Navigation system with ranking mechanism and method of operation thereof

A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a geographic band with a control unit; generating a point of interest ranking based on a point of interest within the geographic band; calculating a point of interest score based on a band score, a diversity score, a popularity score, or a combination thereof; and updating the point of interest ranking based on the point of interest score for presenting on a device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a navigation system, and more particularly to a system with ranking 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 ranking mechanism to identify point of interest relevant to the user 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 ranking mechanism to provide point of interest to the user. 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: generating a geographic band with a control unit; generating a point of interest ranking based on a point of interest within the geographic band; calculating a point of interest score based on a band score, a diversity score, a popularity score, or a combination thereof; and updating the point of interest ranking based on the point of interest score for presenting on a device.

The present invention provides a navigation system, including: a control unit for: generating a geographic band, generating a point of interest ranking based on a point of interest within the geographic band, calculating a point of interest score based on a band score, a diversity score, a popularity score, or a combination thereof, updating the point of interest ranking based on the point of interest score, and a communication interface, coupled to the control unit, for communicating the point of interest ranking for presenting on a device.

The present invention provides a navigation system having a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions for execution, the instructions comprising: generating a geographic band; generating a point of interest ranking based on a point of interest within the geographic band; calculating a point of interest score based on a band score, a diversity score, a popularity score, or a combination thereof; and updating the point of interest ranking based on the point of interest score for presenting 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 ranking 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 first device102or 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, there is shown an example of a geographic area202traveled by the user of the navigation system100. For clarity and brevity, the discussion of the embodiment of the present invention will focus on the first device102delivering the result generated by the navigation system100. However, the second device106ofFIG. 1and the first device102can be discussed interchangeably.

The geographic area202can represent a metropolitan area, a rural area, or a combination thereof. The geographic area202can also represent a neighborhood, a city, a county, a state, a country, or a combination thereof. A current location204is defined as a position of the first device102. A point of interest206is defined as a candidate geographic location for end of travel. For example, the point of interest206can represent a potential target destination interested by the user of the navigation system100. A distance208can represent the physical distance between the point of interest206and the current location204.

A category of interest210is a classification of the point of interest206. For example, the category of interest210can represent coffee, shopping mall, theatre, restaurant, or a combination thereof. A point of interest density212is defined as a number of instances of the point of interest206in a defined physical area. For example, the point of interest density212can represent the number of instances of the point of interest206within the geographic area202. A point of interest group214is defined as a grouping of the point of interest206. For example, the point of interest206with the category of interest210of coffee shop can be grouped in one instance of the point of interest group214while the point of interest206with the category of interest210of shopping mall can be grouped in another instance of the point of interest group214.

A point of interest ranking216is defined as ordering of a plurality of the point of interest206based on priority. For example, the point of interest ranking216can base on the distance208. More specifically, the point of interest206that is closer to the current location204can be ranked higher in the point of interest ranking216than the point of interest206that is further to the current location204.

A geographic band218is defined as a predefined area for segmenting the geographic area202. For example, the geographic band218can surround the current location204or not. The geographic band218can have a band dimension220, which is defined as a physical characteristic of the geographic band218. For example, the band dimension220can represent a torus shape surrounding the current location204. For another example, the band dimension220can represent a polygon, a circle, or a combination thereof.

For further example, a plurality of the geographic band218can exist. More specifically, a first geographic band222can surround the current location204. And a second geographic band224can surround the first geographic band222. Both instances of the geographic band218can have a torus shape. For a different example, the first geographic band222and the second geographic band224can be disjointed and not adjacent to each other. Or the two instances of the geographic band218can overlap each other.

A band index226is defined as a value to order a plurality of the geographic band218.

For example, the geographic band218closest to the current location204can have the band index226of 0. The geographic band218that is next closest to the current location204can have the band index226of 1.

A band type228is defined as categorization of the geographic band218. For example, band type228can include a static band230, a dynamic band232, or a combination thereof. The static band230is defined as the geographic band218with the fixed instance of the band dimension220. The dynamic band232is defined as the geographic band218with the non-fixed instance of the band dimension220. A context234is defined as a situation, circumstance, or a combination thereof surrounding the first device102. For example, the band dimension220representing the width of the geographic band218can change based on if the context234is nighttime or daytime.

A user query236is defined as an entry to the first device102to seek information related to the point of interest206. A search type238is defined as a classification of the user query236. A user response240is defined as a reaction made to the first device102after the point of interest ranking216is presented on the first device102.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown an example of architecture of the navigation system100. The architecture can illustrate the first device102and the second device106interacting for generating a result for the user. The navigation system100can generate the point of interest ranking216ofFIG. 2based on a model type302, which is defined as a classification of model used by the navigation system100to determine the point of interest ranking216. For example, the model type302can include a keyword ranking model304, a band ranking model306, a default model308, or a combination thereof

The keyword ranking model304is defined as a standard to determine the point of interest ranking216using a keyword310. The band ranking model306is defined as a standard to determine the point of interest ranking216using the category of interest210ofFIG. 2. The default model308is defined as a standard to determine the point of interest ranking216without using the keyword310, the category of interest210, or a combination thereof

An activity history312is a log for using the navigation system100. For example, the activity history312can track the following activities: frequency of driving; drive through rate; the distance208ofFIG. 2between instances of the point of interest206ofFIG. 2; normalized driving frequency in local city =(frequency of driving to a given instance of the point of interest206)/(Max frequency of driving to any instances of the point of interest206in local city); click frequency; click through rate =frequency of point of interest206clicks/total point of interest206impressions; count of point of interest206; or a combination thereof

The navigation system100can calculate a point of interest score314, which is defined as a factor to determine the point of interest ranking216ofFIG. 2. The point of interest score314can be calculated based on a band score316, a diversity score318, a popularity score320, a score weight322, or a combination thereof. The score weight322can include a band weight324, a diversity weight326, a popularity weight328, or a combination thereof

The band score316is defined as a value given to the point of interest206based on the geographic band218where the point of interest206is located. The band weight324is defined as an amount of importance placed on the band score316. A score interval330is a constant value used to calculate the band score316.

The diversity score318is defined as a value based on a redundancy of the point of interest206within the geographic band218. For example, the redundancy can based on the same brand type, the same instances of the category of interest210, or a combination thereof The diversity weight326is defined as an amount of importance placed on the diversity score318.

The popularity score320is defined as a value based on the activity history312. The popularity weight328is defined as an amount of importance placed on the popularity score320. A popularity threshold332is defined as a minimum value of the popularity score320required.

A result sufficiency334is defined as an acceptable level of the output produced by the navigation system100. For example, the result sufficiency334can represent whether the point of interest ranking216generated by the navigation system100is acceptable by the user. The user response240can indicate whether the result sufficiency334was “sufficient” or “insufficient.”

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, a camera, 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, a headset, 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, a camera, 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, a headset, 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 search module502. The search module502determines the search type238ofFIG. 2. For example, the search module502can determine the search type238based on the user query236ofFIG. 2.

The search module502can determine the search type238in a number of ways. For example, the search module502can determine the search type238to represent that the user of the navigation system100desires to search for the point of interest206ofFIG. 2based on the category of interest210ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the user query236can include a word such as “restaurant,” a name of the cuisine type, such as “Italian,” or a combination thereof. By deciphering and comparing the word in the user query236to the word data stored in the first storage unit414ofFIG. 4, the search module502can determine the search type238to be based on the category of interest210.

For a different example, the search module502can determine the search type238to represent that the user of the navigation system100desires to search for the point of interest206based on the keyword310ofFIG. 3. More specifically, the user query236can include the word representing a particular brand, such as Starbucks Coffee (TM). By deciphering and comparing the word in the user query236to the word data stored in the first storage unit414, the search module502can determine the search type238to be based on the keyword310. The search module502can communicate the search type238to a model module504.

The navigation system100can include the model module504, which can couple to the search module502. The model module504determines the model type302ofFIG. 3. For example, the model module504can determine the model type302based on the search type238.

The model module504can determine the model type302in a number of ways. For example, the model module504can determine the model type302to represent the keyword ranking model304ofFIG. 3if the search type238is based on the keyword310. For a different example, the model module504can determine the model type302to represent the band ranking model306ofFIG. 3if the search type238is based on the category of interest210. For another example, the model module504can determine the model type302to represent the default model308ofFIG. 3if the search type238is based on neither the keyword310nor the category of interest210. The model module504can communicate the model type302to a sort module508.

The navigation system100can include a retrieval module506, which can couple to the model module504. The retrieval module506retrieves the point of interest206. For example, the retrieval module506can retrieve the point of interest206based on the search type238.

The retrieval module506can retrieve the point of interest206in a number of ways. For example, the retrieval module506can retrieve the point of interest206based on the search type238of the keyword310. More specifically, the point of interest206retrieved by the retrieval module506can have the keyword310as part of the name of the point of interest206. For a different example, the retrieval module506can retrieve the point of interest206based on the search type238of the category of interest210. More specifically, the point of interest206retrieved by the retrieval module506can represent the point of interest206categorized under the category of interest210.

For further example, the point of interest206can be stored within the first storage unit414, the external sources, or a combination thereof which the retrieval module506can communicate to retrieve the point of interest206. Further, the retrieval module506can retrieve a plurality of the point of interest206based on the search type238to provide a number of instances of the point of interest206that the user may be interested. The retrieval module506can communicate the point of interest206to the sort module508.

The navigation system100can include the sort module508, which can couple to the retrieval module506, the model module504, or a combination thereof. The sort module508generates the point of interest ranking216ofFIG. 2. For example, the sort module508can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the model type302, the point of interest206, or a combination thereof.

The sort module508can generate the point of interest ranking216in a number of ways. The sort module508can include a keyword module510. The keyword module510generates the point of interest ranking216based on the keyword ranking model304. More specifically, if the point of interest206was retrieved based on the search type238of the keyword310, the point of interest can include the keyword310. As a result, the keyword module510can generate the point of interest ranking216of the point of interest206with the keyword310.

For a specific example, the keyword module510can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the distance208ofFIG. 2from the current location204ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the keyword module510can order the point of interest206based on closest to the farthest or furthest to closest of the distance208between the point of interest206having the keyword310and the current location204. The keyword module510can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the point of interest206ordered.

The sort module508can include a band module512. The band module512generates the point of interest ranking216based on the band ranking model306. More specifically, if the point of interest206was retrieved based on the search type238of the category of interest210, the point of interest206can be categorized under the category of interest210. As a result, the band module512can generate the point of interest ranking216having the point of interest206for the category of interest210. Details regarding the band module512generating the point of interest ranking216will be discussed below.

The sort module508can include a default module514. The default module514generates the point of interest206based on the default model308. For example, the point of interest206can be retrieved based on neither the search type238of the category of interest210nor the keyword310. The default module514can generate point of interest ranking216based on the distance208between the point of interest206and the current location204. More specifically, the default module514can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the distance208of closest to furthest or furthest to closest between the point of interest206and the current location204. The sort module508can communicate the point of interest ranking216to a display module516.

The navigation system100can include the display module516, which can couple to the sort module508. The display module516displays the point of interest ranking216. For example, the display module516can display the point of interest ranking216on the first display interface430ofFIG. 4of the first device102.

The display module516can determine the result sufficiency334ofFIG. 3based on the user response240ofFIG. 2. As discussed above, the point of interest ranking216can be displayed on the first device102for the user to view. The user can perform the user response240to select the point of interest206listed on the point of interest ranking216. Based on the user response240of selection, the display module516can determine the result sufficiency334of “sufficient” to indicate that the navigation system100has provided information related to the point of interest206interested by the user.

In contrast, the user response240can be no response or continual scrolling of the list of the point of interest206presented as the point of interest ranking216without selecting a particular instance of the point of interest206. Based on the user response240, the display module516can determine the result sufficiency334to be “insufficiency.” The display module516can communicate the result sufficiency334to the sort module508to command the sort module508to increment the band index226ofFIG. 2to provide point of interest206from the geographic band218ofFIG. 2with the subsequent instance of the band index226. Details regarding the band index226, the geographic band218, or a combination thereof will be discussed below.

The physical transformation from changing the current location204to reach the point of interest206results 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 retrieving the point of interest206, generating the point of interest ranking216, 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. For example, the first software426can include the search module502, the model module504, the retrieval module506, the sort module508, and the display module516.

The first control unit412ofFIG. 4can execute the first software426for the search module502to determine the search type238. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for the model module504to determine the model type302. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for the retrieval module506to retrieve the point of interest206. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for the sort module508to generate the point of interest ranking216. Furthermore, the first control unit412can execute the first software426to operate the modules within the sort module508. The first control unit412can execute the first software426for the display module516to display the point of interest ranking216.

The second software442ofFIG. 4of the second device106ofFIG. 4can include the modules for the navigation system100. For example, the second software442can include the search module502, the model module504, the retrieval module506, the sort module508, and the display module516.

The second control unit434ofFIG. 4can execute the second software442for the search module502to determine the search type238. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for the model module504to determine the model type302. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for the retrieval module506to retrieve the point of interest206. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for the sort module508to generate the point of interest ranking216. Furthermore, the second control unit434can execute the second software442to operate the modules within the sort module508. The second control unit434can execute the second software442for the display module516to display the point of interest ranking216.

The modules of the navigation system100can be partitioned between the first software426and the second software442. The second software442can include search module502, the model module504, the retrieval module506, and the sort module508. The second control unit434can execute modules partitioned on the second software442as previously described.

The first software426can include the display module516. 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 interface428ofFIG. 4to communicate the current location204, the user query236, the point of interest206, the point of interest ranking216, or a combination thereof to or from the second device106. The first control unit412can operate the first software426to operate the location unit420ofFIG. 4. The second control unit434can operate the second communication interface450ofFIG. 4to communicate the current location204, the user query236, the point of interest206, the point of interest ranking216, or a combination thereof to or from the first device102through the communication path104ofFIG. 4.

The first control unit412can operate the first user interface418ofFIG. 4for the display module516to present the point of interest ranking216. The second control unit434can operate the second user interface438ofFIG. 4for the display module516to present the point of interest ranking216.

The navigation system100describes the module functions or order as an example. The modules can be partitioned differently. For example, the search module502and the model module504can be combined. For another example, the key module510and the band module512can be combined. As a result, sort module508can apply the band ranking model306to the search type238based on the keyword310and apply the keyword ranking model304based on the category of interest210. 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 sort module508can receive the model type302from the model module504. Further, one module communicating to another module can represent one module sending, receiving, or a combination thereof the data generated to or from another module.

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 as depicted inFIG. 4. However, it is understood that the first control unit412, the second control unit434, or a combination thereof can collectively refer to all hardware accelerators for the modules. Furthermore, the first control unit412, the second control unit434, or a combination thereof can be implemented as software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

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 unit414, 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 control flow of the band module512. The band module512can include a band generator module602. The band generator module602generates the geographic band218ofFIG. 2. For example, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218based on the category of interest210ofFIG. 2, the point of interest density212ofFIG. 2, the distance208ofFIG. 2, the band type228ofFIG. 2, the activity history312ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof.

The band generator module602can generate the geographic band218in a number of ways. For example, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218based on the distance208from the current location204ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the band generator module602can generate a plurality of the geographic band218having the band dimension220ofFIG. 2of torus shape surrounding the current location204. For example, the band generator module602can generate the first geographic band222ofFIG. 2with the furthest extent of the first geographic band222with the distance208of 1 kilometer from the current location204. Furthermore, the band generator module602can generate the second geographic band224ofFIG. 2surrounding the first geographic band222and the current location204. The distance208from the furthest extent of the first geographic band222to the furthest extent of the second geographic band224can be, as an example, 2 kilometers. The band generator module602can generate additional instances of the geographic band218subsequent to the second geographic band224to cover the geographic area202ofFIG. 2.

The band generator module602can change the band dimension220of the geographic band218based on the activity history312, the category of interest210, or a combination thereof. For example, the activity history312can indicate that for the category of interest210of coffee, as an example, close to 75 percent of all users of the navigation system100travels to the coffee shop within the distance208of 3 kilometers from the current location204. As a result, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with the band dimension220of 1 kilometer of width for the first three instances of the geographic band218from the current location204but increase the band dimension220to 3 kilometers of width for the subsequent instances of geographic band218.

For a different example, the activity history230can indicate that for the category of interest210of shopping mall, as an example, over 50% of all users of the navigation system100travels to the shopping mall with the distance208greater than 3 kilometers from the current location204. As a result, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with the band dimension220of 5 kilometer of width for each instances of the geographic band218.

For another example, the band generator module602can change the band dimension220based on the category of interest210, the point of interest density212, the geographic area202, or a combination thereof. The geographic area202can represent a metropolitan area. The category of interest210can represent coffee. The point of interest density212can represent 20 coffee shops within 1 square kilometer within the metropolitan area. As a result, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with the band dimension220of 0.1 kilometer of width increment to cover the geographic area202.

For another example, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with a variety of the band type228based on the activity history312, the category of interest210, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with the band type228of the static band230ofFIG. 2. For example, the band generator module602can generate the static band230based on the category of interest210having the band dimension220of the static band230being fixed.

In contrast, the band generator module602can generate the geographic band218with the band type228of the dynamic band232ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the band generator module602can generate the dynamic band232based on the category of interest210, the activity history312, the geographic area202, the context234ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. For example, the category of interest210can represent coffee. The context234can represent daytime. As discussed above, the band generator module602can generate a plurality of the geographic band218.

When the context234changes from daytime to nighttime, a number of coffee shops opened can change. As a result, the activity history312can indicate that the user is willing to drive further away from the current location204to find a coffee shop that is open. The band generator module602can generate the dynamic band232to change the band dimension220based on the context234to cover optimal area of the geographic area202to include the point of interest206ofFIG. 2.

For further example, the band generator module602can determine the band index226ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the band generator module602can determine the band index226based on the geographic band218, the distance208from the current location204, or a combination thereof. As discussed above, the band generator module602can generate the first geographic band222, the second geographic band224, so on and so forth. The band generator module602can determine the band index226for each instances of the geographic band218according to the distance208of each instances of geographic band218from the current location204. For example, the band generator module602can determine the band index226starting from 0 and increment by 1. More specifically, the band generator module602can determine the band index226for the first geographic band222to be 0, the second geographic band224to be 1, and the subsequent instance of the geographic band218to be 2, and so on and so forth. The band generator module602can communicate the geographic band218, the band dimension220, the band index226, or a combination thereof to a group module604.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100generating the geographic band218based on the category of interest210, the context234, or a combination thereof can improve the accuracy of providing the point of interest206. More specifically, by generating the geographic band218optimal for the category of interest210, the context234, or a combination thereof, the navigation system100can cover the geographic area202efficiently to include the point of interest206interested by the user. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the delivery of the point of interest206for safer operation of the navigation system100, the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

The band module512can include the group module604, which can couple to the band generator module602. The group module604generates the point of interest group214ofFIG. 2. For example, the group module604can generate the point of interest group214based on the point of interest206, the geographic band218, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the group module604can generate the point of interest group214by organizing a plurality of the point of interest206according to the geographic band218of each instances of the point of interest206are located. The point of interest206in the first geographic band222can be grouped within the point of interest group214of the first geographic band222. The point of interest206in the second geographic band224can be grouped within the point of interest group214of the second geographic band224and so on and so forth. The group module604can communicate the point of interest group214to a ranking module606.

The band module512can include the ranking module606, which can couple to the group module604. The ranking module606generates the point of interest ranking216. For example, the ranking module606can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the distance208, the point of interest group214, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the ranking module606can generate the point of interest ranking216by ordering the plurality of the point of interest206within the point of interest group214according to the distance208from the current location204. For example, the ranking module606can generate the point of interest ranking216based on the order of closest to furthest or furthest to closest of the distance208between the current location204and point of interest206. The ranking module606can communicate the point of interest ranking216to a score module608.

The band module512can include the score module608, which can couple to the ranking module606. The score module608calculates the point of interest score314ofFIG. 3. For example, the score module608can calculate the point of interest score314based on the band score316ofFIG. 3, the diversity score318ofFIG. 3, the popularity score320ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof. Details regarding the score module608generating the point of interest score314will be discussed below. The score module608can communicate the point of interest score314the ranking module606

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is described with the ranking module606generating the point of interest ranking216, although it is understood that the ranking module606can operate differently. For example, the ranking module606can update the point of interest ranking216based on the point of interest score314. As it will be discussed below, the point of interest score314can change the order of the point of interest ranking216by providing additional data point to determine the ordering of the point of interest206within the point of interest group214. The ranking module606can update the point of interest ranking216by resorting the point of interest ranking216according to the point of interest score314calculated. The ranking module606can communicate the point of interest ranking216updated to the display module516ofFIG. 5.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100updating the point of interest ranking216based on the point of interest score314improves the accuracy of the point of interest206interested by the user. By resorting the point of interest ranking216based on the point of interest score314, the navigation system100can tailor the point of interest ranking216to the user's behavior and interest. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the accuracy of delivering the information interested by the user for the safer operation of the navigation system100, the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 7, therein is shown a control flow of the score module608. As discussed above, the score module608can calculate the point of interest score314ofFIG. 3for each instances of the point of interest206ofFIG. 2. More specifically, the score module608can calculate the point of interest score314based on the band score316ofFIG. 3, the diversity score318ofFIG. 3, the popularity score320ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof. As an example, the lower the value of the point of interest score314, the higher importance that the point of interest206will be to the user of the navigation system100ofFIG. 1.

The score module608can include an index module702. The index module702calculates the band score316. For example, the index module702can calculate the band score316with the following formula:
band score 316=band index 226*score interval 330

The band index226ofFIG. 2can increment by 1 as discussed above. The score interval330ofFIG. 3can represent a constant number of 10. For example, the index module702can calculate the band score316for the point of interest206ofFIG. 2located within the first geographic band222ofFIG. 2. The band index226can represent0and the score interval330can represent10. As a result, the band score316can represent0for the point of interest206within the first geographic band222.

The index module702can calculate the band score316for the point of interest206located within the second geographic band224ofFIG. 2. The band index226can represent1and the score interval330can represent10. As a result, the band score316can represent10for the point of interest206within the second geographic band224. The index module702can calculate the band score316for each instances of the point of interest206within each instances of the geographic band218ofFIG. 2. The index module702can communicate the band score316to a diversity module704.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100calculating the band score316improves the accuracy of providing the point of interest206most interested by the user. By calculating the band score316, the point of interest206that is closer thus interested will be ranked higher than the point of interest206that is further thus less interested. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the efficiency and accuracy of delivering the point of interest206for safer operation of the navigation system100, the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

The score module608can include the diversity module704, which can couple to the index module702. The diversity module704calculates the diversity score318. For example, the diversity module704can calculate the diversity score318based on the point of interest206, the point of interest density212ofFIG. 2, the point of interest ranking216ofFIG. 2, the geographic band218, or a combination thereof

For a specific example, a plurality of the point of interest206with the same brand type can exist within a particular instance of the geographic band218. More specifically, the brand type can represent Starbucks Coffee™. The point of interest206can represent the Starbucks Coffee™ shop. As discussed above, the point of interest ranking216can order a plurality of the point of interest206based on the distance208ofFIG. 2between the point of interest206and the current location204ofFIG. 2. For example, the closest instance of the point of interest206can receive the diversity score318of 0 and other instances of the point of interest206can be penalized by 1 based on the distance208. More specifically, the second closest instance of the point of interest206can receive the diversity score318of 1 or penalty of 1 and the third closest instance of the point of interest206can receive the diversity score318of 2 or penalty of 2. The penalty can increment by 1 as long as the point of interest206share the same brand type and the geographic band218with another point of interest206that is closer to the current location204. The diversity module704can communicate the diversity score318to a popularity module706.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100calculating the diversity score318improves the accuracy of providing the point of interest206most interested by the user. By calculating the diversity score318, the point of interest206that is closer thus interested will be ranked higher than the point of interest206that is further thus less interested. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the efficiency and accuracy of delivering the point of interest206for safer operation of the navigation system100, the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

The score module608can include the popularity module706, which can couple to the diversity module704. The popularity module706calculates the popularity score320. For example, the popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320based on the brand type, the category of interest210ofFIG. 2, the activity history312ofFIG. 3, the geographic area202ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof.

The popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320in a number of ways. For example, the popularity score320can be quantized into three levels: 0 for very popular, 1 for popular, and 2 for not popular. The popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320based on the activity history312meeting or exceeding the popularity threshold332ofFIG. 3.

For a specific example, the popularity threshold332can represent a minimum number of frequency visiting the point of interest206. The popularity threshold332can represent once a week. If the activity history312indicates that the user visits a particular instance of the point of interest206greater than the popularity threshold332, the popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320of 0. If the activity history312indicates that the user visits a particular instance of the point of interest206equaling the popularity threshold332, the popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320of 1. If the activity history312indicates that the user visits a particular instance of the point of interest206less than the popularity threshold332, the popularity module706can calculate the popularity score320of 2. The popularity module706can communicate the popularity score320to a final module708.

It has been discovered that the navigation system100calculating the popularity score320improves the accuracy of providing the point of interest206most interested by the user. By calculating the popularity score320, the point of interest206that is closer thus interested will be ranked higher than the point of interest206that is further thus less interested. As a result, the navigation system100can improve the efficiency and accuracy of delivering the point of interest206for safer operation of the navigation system100, the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

The score module608can include the final module708, which can couple to the popularity module706. The final module708calculates the point of interest score314. For example, the final module708can calculate the point of interest score314based on the band score316, the diversity score318, the popularity score320, the score weight322ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the score weight322can include the band weight324ofFIG. 3, the diversity weight326ofFIG. 3, the popularity weight328ofFIG. 3, or a combination thereof.

The final module708can calculate the point of interest score314with the following formula:
point of interest score 314=band weight 324*band score 316+popularity weight 328*popularity score 320+diversity weight 326*diversity score 318

The band weight324, the popularity weight328, the diversity weight326, or a combination thereof can be set to 1. However, the value of each instances of the score weight322can be changed to fine tune the calculation of the point of interest score314. For further example, the point of interest score314in the lower instance of the band index226will be lower than the point of interest score314in the higher instance of the band index226. The final module708can communicate the point of interest score314to the ranking module606ofFIG. 6.

Referring now toFIG. 8, therein is shown a flow chart of a method800of operation of the navigation system100in a further embodiment of the present invention. The method800includes: generating a geographic band with a control unit in a block802; generating a point of interest ranking based on a point of interest within the geographic band in a block804; calculating a point of interest score based on a band score, a diversity score, a popularity score, or a combination thereof in a block806; and updating the point of interest ranking based on the point of interest score for presenting on a device in a block808.

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.