Navigation system with orientation mechanism and method of operation thereof

A method of operation of a navigation system includes: calculating a travel route from an origin location to a destination location; and identifying an orientation location along the travel route for assisting in an initial orientation from the origin location for displaying on a device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

Modern portable consumer and industrial electronics provide increasing levels of functionality to support modern life including location-based information services. This is especially true for client devices such as navigation systems, cellular phones, portable digital assistants, and multifunction devices.

As users adopt mobile location-based service devices, new and old, users begin to take advantage of this new device space. There are many solutions to take advantage of this new device opportunity. One existing approach is to use location information to provide navigation services, such as a global positioning service (GPS) navigation system for a mobile device.

Navigation system and service providers are continually making improvement in the user's experience in order to be competitive. In navigation services, demand for better usability using recognition is increasingly important.

In location based application services, users are often not geographically oriented with their physical surroundings when they initiate a GPS-assisted navigation session and want to find and navigate-to a nearby point of interest or address. As a result, the information returned by an application service designed to assist in navigation is confusing and often unusable.

In response to consumer demand, navigation systems are providing ever-increasing amounts of information requiring these systems to improve usability, performance, and accuracy. This information includes map data, business data, local weather, and local driving conditions. The demand for more information and the need to provide user-friendly experience, low latency, and accuracy continue to challenge the providers of navigation systems.

Thus, a need remains for a navigation system to provide information with improvement in usability, performance, and accuracy. 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 increasingly critical that answers be found to 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.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of operation of a navigation system including: calculating a travel route from an origin location to a destination location; and identifying an orientation location along the travel route for assisting in an initial orientation from the origin location for displaying on a device.

The present invention provides a navigation system including: a location unit for determining an origin location; a route generation module, coupled to the location unit, for calculating a travel route from the origin location to a destination location; and an orientation module, coupled to the route generation module, for identifying an orientation location along the travel route for assisting in an initial orientation from the origin location for displaying on a device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it can be apparent that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known circuits, system configurations, and process locations are not disclosed in detail.

The same or similar numbers are used in all the drawing FIGs. to relate to the same elements. The embodiments have been numbered first embodiment, second embodiment, etc. as a matter of descriptive convenience and are not intended to have any other significance or provide limitations for the present 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 comprising a speed component and a heading component.

The term “navigation routing information” referred to herein is defined as the routing 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. 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 orientation mechanism in a first 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.

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.

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. Yet another example, the second device106can be a particularized machine, such as a portable computing device, a thin client, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, personal digital assistant, or a cellular phone, and as specific examples, an Apple iPhone™, Palm Centro™, or Moto Q Global™.

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 display interface202of the first device102. The display interface202can present a travel route204from an origin location206to a destination location208. The origin location206can be the initial location of a user. The destination location208can be the location the user desires to reach. The travel route204can be a route from the origin location206to the destination location208.

An orientation location210can be along the travel route204and between the origin location206and the destination location208. The orientation location210is not the destination location208or the origin location206. The orientation location210can be used to help orient a user unfamiliar with the origin location206, the destination location208, the travel route204, or a combination thereof.

The orientation location210can provide an initial orientation212from the origin location206for the user to traverse the travel route204to the destination location208. For example, the initial orientation212can be represented by a direction icon or a visual cue on the display interface202directing the user from the origin location206to the orientation location210.

The orientation location210can represent prominent locations214. The prominent locations214can be locations that are recognizable to the user, such as a street, an intersection, a landmark, or a point of interest.

The display interface202can include an orientation instruction216to help a user navigate from the origin location206to the orientation location210. The orientation instruction216can include information to help the user identify the orientation location210and traverse the travel route204from the origin location206to the orientation location210. For example, the orientation instruction216can be “Refined your location to: Lombard St. (50 yards East).”

Referring now toFIG. 3, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram of the first device102. The first device102can include a user interface302, a storage unit304, a location unit306, a control unit308, and a communication unit310.

The user interface302allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with the first device102. The user interface302can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the user interface302can 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 user interface302can include the display interface202. The display interface202can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The control unit308can execute a software312to provide the intelligence of the navigation system100. The control unit308can operate the user interface302to display information generated by the navigation system100. The control unit308can also execute the software312for the other functions of the navigation system100, including receiving location information from the location unit306. The control unit308can further execute the software312for interaction with the communication path104ofFIG. 1via the communication unit310.

The control unit308can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the control unit308can 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 control unit308can include a controller interface314. The controller interface314can be used for communication between the control unit308and other functional units in the first device102. The controller interface314can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The controller interface314can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the controller interface314. For example, the controller interface314can 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 unit306can generate location information, current heading, and current speed of the first device102, as examples. The location unit306can be implemented in many ways. For example, the location unit306can 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 unit306can include a location interface316. The location interface316can be used for communication between the location unit306and other functional units in the first device102. The location interface316can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The location interface316can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the location unit306. The location interface316can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the controller interface314.

The storage unit304can store the software312. The storage unit304can also store the relevant information, such as advertisements, points of interest (POI), navigation routing entries, or any combination thereof.

The storage unit304can include a storage interface318. The storage interface318can be used for communication between the location unit306and other functional units in the first device102. The storage interface318can also be used for communication that is external to the first device102.

The storage interface318can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the storage unit304. The storage interface318can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the controller interface314.

The communication unit310can enable external communication to and from the first device102. For example, the communication unit310can permit the first device102to communicate with the second device106ofFIG. 1, an attachment, such as a peripheral device or a computer desktop, and the communication path104.

The communication unit310can 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 communication unit310can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path104.

The communication unit310can include a communication interface320. The communication interface320can be used for communication between the communication unit310and other functional units in the first device102. The communication interface320can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The communication interface320can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the communication unit310. The communication interface320can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the controller interface314.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system100is shown with the partition having the user interface302, the storage unit304, the location unit306, the control unit308, and the communication unit310although it is understood that the navigation system100can have a different partition. For example, the software312can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function can be in the control unit308, the location unit306, and the communication unit310. Also, the first device102can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 3for 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.

Referring now toFIG. 4, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram of a navigation system400with orientation mechanism in a second embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system400can include a first device402, a communication path404, and a second device406.

The first device402can communicate with the second device406over the communication path404. For example, the first device402, the communication path404, and the second device406can be the first device102ofFIG. 1, the communication path104ofFIG. 1, and the second device106ofFIG. 1, respectively. The screen shot shown on the display interface202described inFIG. 2can represent the screen shot for the navigation system400.

The first device402can send information in a first device transmission408over the communication path404to the second device406. The second device406can send information in a second device transmission410over the communication path404to the first device402.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system400is shown with the first device402as a client device, although it is understood that the navigation system400can have the first device402as a different type of device. For example, the first device402can be a server.

Also for illustrative purposes, the navigation system400is shown with the second device406as a server, although it is understood that the navigation system400can have the second device406as a different type of device. For example, the second device406can be a client device.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention, the first device402will be described as a client device and the second device406will 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 device402can include a first control unit412, a first storage unit414, a first communication unit416, a first user interface418, and a location unit420. The first device402can be similarly described by the first device102.

The first control unit412can include a first control interface422. The first control unit412and the first control interface422can be similarly described as the control unit308ofFIG. 3and the controller interface314ofFIG. 3, respectively.

The first storage unit414can include a first storage interface424. The first storage unit414and the first storage interface424can be similarly described as the storage unit304ofFIG. 3and the storage interface318ofFIG. 3, respectively. A first software426can be stored in the first storage unit414.

The first communication unit416can include a first communication interface428. The first communication unit416and the first communication interface428can be similarly described as the communication unit310ofFIG. 3and the communication interface320ofFIG. 3, respectively.

The first user interface418can include a first display interface430. The first user interface418and the first display interface430can be similarly described as the user interface302ofFIG. 3and the display interface202ofFIG. 3, respectively.

The location unit420can include a location interface432. The location unit420and the location interface432can be similarly described as the location unit306ofFIG. 3and the location interface316ofFIG. 3, respectively.

The performance, architectures, and type of technologies can also differ between the first device102and the first device402. For example, the first device102can function as a single device embodiment of the present invention and can have a higher performance than the first device402. The first device402can be similarly optimized for a multiple device embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the first device102can have a higher performance with increased processing power in the control unit308compared to the first control unit412. The storage unit304can provide higher storage capacity and access time compared to the first storage unit414.

Also for example, the first device402can be optimized to provide increased communication performance in the first communication unit416compared to the communication unit310. The first storage unit414can be sized smaller compared to the storage unit304. The first software426can be smaller than the software312ofFIG. 3.

The second device406can be optimized for implementing the present invention in a multiple device embodiment with the first device402. The second device406can provide the additional or higher performance processing power compared to the first device402. The second device406can 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 device406. 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 system400. The second software442can operate in conjunction with the first software426. The second control unit434can provide additional performance compared to the first control unit412or the control unit308.

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 system400, including operating the second communication unit436to communicate with the first device402over the communication path404.

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 controller interface444. The second controller interface444can be used for communication between the second control unit434and other functional units in the second device406. The second controller interface444can also be used for communication that is external to the second device406.

The second controller 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 controller interface444. For example, the second controller 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 system400is shown with the second storage unit446as a single hierarchy storage system, although it is understood that the navigation system400can 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 unit306and other functional units in the second device406. The second storage interface448can also be used for communication that is external to the second device406.

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 controller interface444.

The second communication unit436can enable external communication to and from the second device406. For example, the second communication unit436can permit the second device406to communicate with the first device402over the communication path404.

The second communication unit436can also function as a communication hub allowing the second device406to function as part of the communication path404and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to the communication path404. The second communication unit436can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path404.

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 device406. 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 controller interface444.

The first communication unit416can couple with the communication path404to send information to the second device406in the first device transmission408. The second device406can receive information in the second communication unit436from the first device transmission408of the communication path404.

The second communication unit436can couple with the communication path404to send information to the first device402in the second device transmission410. The first device402can receive information in the first communication unit416from the second device transmission410of the communication path404. The navigation system400can 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 device406can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 4for clarity.

The functional units in the first device402can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The first device402can work individually and independently from the second device406and the communication path404.

The functional units in the second device406can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The second device406can work individually and independently from the first device402and the communication path404.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system400is described by operation of the first device402and the second device406. It is understood that the first device402and the second device406can operate any of the modules and functions of the navigation system400. For example, the first device402is described to operate the location unit420, although it is understood that the second device406can also operate the location unit420.

Referring now toFIG. 5, therein is shown a navigation system500with orientation mechanism in a third embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system500can include functions for orienting a user along a route from an unfamiliar starting location to a desired destination by directing the user to an intermediate location. The intermediate location can be used to orient the user from the starting location. The intermediate location can be near the starting location, recognizable to the user, and along the route.

The navigation system500can receive a destination request518, such as a request to locate a desired destination, a point of interest, or a category of interest. For example, the destination request518can be “find a Starbucks near me.” The destination request518can include a request to locate the destination location208ofFIG. 2.

The navigation system500can include a user location module502. The user location module502includes the function for determining the current location of the user. The user location module502can determine the origin location206ofFIG. 2as the current location of the user by utilizing the location unit306ofFIG. 3or the location unit420ofFIG. 4.

For example, the user location module502can represent the origin location206as longitude and latitude coordinates or a street address. The user location module502can store the representation of the origin location206as an origin information522. The origin information522can include longitude and latitude coordinates or the street address of the origin location206.

The navigation system500can include a route generation module504. The route generation module504includes the functions for determining the location of a destination and generating a route from the origin location206of the user to the destination. The route generation module504can receive the origin information522and optionally receive the destination request518.

The route generation module504can identify the destination location208that from the destination request518. The route generation module504can search a destination database524that contains information of locations that can match the destination request518. Once the route generation module504has identified the destination location208, the route generation module504can extract information from the destination database524, such as geographic position, longitude and latitude coordinates, or the street address. The route generation module504can store a representation of the destination location208in destination information526, such as the coordinates or the street address of the destination location208.

The route generation module504can calculate the travel route204from the origin location206to the destination location208. The route generation module504can optionally use the origin information522and the destination information526for generating the travel route204.

The route generation module504can display the travel route204, the origin location206, the origin information522, the destination location208, the destination information526, or a combination thereof on the display interface202ofFIG. 2. For example, the navigation system500can present the origin location206on the display interface202as “user found at 10 Main St. Sunnyvale, Calif.” As a further example, the navigation system500can present the travel route204depicted inFIG. 2.

The navigation system500can include a refinement request module506. The refinement request module506can be used to refine the information sent to the user by the route generation module504. The user can elect the refinement because the information displayed from the route generation module504may be unfamiliar to the user. For example, the refinement request module506can receive an orientation request528from the user to search for locations to orient the user along the travel route204from the origin location206that is unfamiliar to the user.

The orientation request528can be a command to direct the navigation system500to search for and identify the orientation location210ofFIG. 2. For example, the refinement request module506can prompt the user whether the user would like to refine the origin location206on the display interface202. As another example, the user can set an option for the navigation system500to automatically refine the origin location206.

The navigation system500can include an orientation module508. The orientation module508has the functions for searching for locations, landmarks, or points of interest around the user's starting location that are prominent and recognizable to the user. A location that is prominent and recognizable can represent a location that is easily or quickly recognized and viewed from the street level. For example, prominent and recognizable locations can include landmarks or points of interest that stand out from the surrounding environment, are not obscured by other buildings or structures, or are not offset from the road or route.

The orientation module508can search and identify one or more locations as the orientation location210that are prominent and recognizable to the user for orienting the user from the origin location206. For example, the orientation module508can identify the orientation location210along the travel route204ofFIG. 2for assisting in the initial orientation212ofFIG. 2from the origin location206. The orientation location210can be different from the destination location208ofFIG. 2.

The orientation module508can rank the locations based on their degree of recognizability to the user, and generating navigation instructions based on the identified locations to orient the user. The orientation module508will be discussed in more detail later.

The orientation module508can select the prominent locations214and prominence scores536. The prominence scores536can be a value that represents the likelihood that a location can be recognizable to a person from street level, road level, or trail level, as examples. As a further example, the orientation module508can select the prominent locations214along the travel route204that is closest to the origin location. The higher the value, the more prominent and recognizable a location is scored.

The navigation system500can include a route modification module510. The route modification module510can modify the travel route204by incorporating changes from the orientation module508. The route modification module510can also modify the orientation location210with the prominent locations214as the orientation location210.

The route modification module510can select the prominent locations214as the orientation location210based on the prominence scores536. The route modification module510can select the prominent locations214with the highest value of the prominence scores536as possible selections for the orientation location210.

The route modification module510can display the travel route204with the orientation location210, the orientation instruction216ofFIG. 2, and the initial orientation212on the display interface202. The route modification module510can optionally modify the travel route204to include the orientation location210.

The route modification module510can include an instruction generation module538for generating instructions to help a user navigate from the origin location206to the orientation location210. The instruction generation module538can generate the orientation instruction216and the initial orientation212for display on the display interface202corresponding to the prominent locations214with the highest value of the prominence scores536.

The route modification module510can optionally allow the user to view the prominent locations214with the next highest value for the prominence scores536. The route modification module510can have a next orientation option537, which can be a command to select the prominent locations214with the next highest value of the prominence scores536. For example, if the user does not prefer the orientation location210with the highest value of the prominence scores536, the user can use the next orientation option537to select one of the prominent locations214with the next highest values of the prominence scores536for the orientation location210.

Referring now toFIG. 6, therein is shown a detailed view of the orientation module508. The orientation module508can include a search module602. The search module602can have the function for searching for locations, landmarks, or points of interest around the user's starting location that are prominent and recognizable to the user. The search module602can be initiated by receiving the orientation request528ofFIG. 5.

The search module602can include a region generation module637for generate a search region638by setting a search boundary640around the origin location206. The search boundary640can represent an outer limit of the search for the prominent locations214. The search boundary640can be set automatically by the search module602or manually set by the user.

The search boundary640can be a pre-defined or variable. For example, the search boundary640can be pre-defined as a fixed distance from the origin location206or variable depending on the environment of the user. As a further example, the search boundary640can be set at one or two blocks away from the origin location206in an urban city area or two miles away from the in a rural area.

The search module602can include a region search module641for searching for the prominent locations214in the search region638. The prominent locations214can include a first prominent location630, a second prominent location632, and a third prominent location634. The first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634can be unique locations along the travel route204. For example, the first prominent location630can represent a gas station, the second prominent location632can represent an intersection, and the third prominent location634can represent a restaurant.

For illustrative purposes, the navigation system500is shown with the prominent locations214having the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632and the third prominent location634, although it is understood that the navigation system500can have a different number and types of the prominent locations214. For example, the prominent locations214can include more or less than three examples of the prominent locations214. Also, the prominent locations214can include museums, parks, government buildings, or sports arenas.

The region search module641can search for the prominent locations214in the search region638. For example, the region search module641can search for the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634within the search boundary640. The region search module641can search a prominent location database642that contains prominent location information644, such as physical features, geographic coordinates, or other inherent characteristics of the prominent locations214.

The region search module641can narrow or broaden the search region638. For example, if the first prominent location630is within the search region638, the search region638can be broaden to find the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634.

The search module602can include a location selection module645for selecting the prominent locations214. The location selection module645can select the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634in the prominent location database642that are within the search region638. For example, the location selection module645can select the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634based the inherent characteristics of the prominent locations214with the prominent location information644.

The search module602can determine prominence ratings648that can be used for calculating the prominence scores536ofFIG. 5. The prominence ratings648can represent a value using the prominent location information644including inherent characteristics for the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634. The inherent characteristics can include visibility from the travel route204, distinctive physical features, proximity to the origin location206, and location type, such as a street, an intersection, a structure, or a combination thereof.

The prominence ratings648can include a first prominence rating652, a second prominence rating654, and a third prominence rating656. The first prominence rating652can correspond to the first prominent location630. The second prominence rating654can correspond to the second prominent location632. The third prominence rating656can correspond to the third prominent location634.

The value of the prominence ratings648can be higher for the prominent locations214that can improve navigation for the user. For example, the first prominent location630can be closer to the origin location206than the second prominent location632, therefore the first prominence rating652can higher than the second prominence rating654. As another example, a higher value of the prominence ratings648can represent the prominent locations214can be a well known location to the user of the navigation system500, to the general public, or a combination thereof.

The orientation module508can also include a ranking module604coupled to the search module602. The ranking module604can compare the characteristics of a location and assigning a location ranking based on the comparison. The ranking module604can receive the prominent locations214and the prominence ratings648from the search module602. The ranking module604can assign the prominence scores536to the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634.

The prominence scores536can include a first prominence score658, a second prominence score660, and a third prominence score662for the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634, respectively. The first prominence score658, the second prominence score660, and the third prominence score662can represent potentially how helpful each of these locations can be to orient a user from the origin location206to the destination location208along the travel route204.

The ranking module604can rank the prominent locations214based on the prominence scores536. The ranking module604can compare the value of the prominence scores536and rank the prominence scores536in descending value. The prominent locations214can be ranked according to the corresponding rank of the prominence scores536. For example, if the first prominence score658is ranked above the second prominence score660, then the first prominent location630will be ranked above the second prominent location632.

The prominence scores536can be determined by multiplying the prominence ratings648by prominence factors650. The prominence factors650can be a multiplier used by the ranking module604to calculate the prominence scores536for each of the prominent locations214.

The prominence factors650can have a different value based on user preference. For example, the prominence factors650for the user's favorite type of the prominent locations214, such as a gas station or restaurant, can be higher than that of a street or an intersection.

The prominence factors650can include a first prominence factor664, a second prominence factor666, and a third prominence factor668. The first prominence factor664can correspond to the first prominent location630. The second prominence factor666can correspond to the second prominent location632. The third prominence factor668can correspond to the third prominent location634.

The orientation module508can be partitioned between the first device402ofFIG. 4and the second device406ofFIG. 4. For example, the orientation module508can be partition into the functional units of the first device402, the second device406, or a combination thereof. The orientation module508can also be implemented as additional functional units in the first device102ofFIG. 3, the first device402, the second device406, or a combination thereof. The modules of the orientation module508can work individually and independently of other modules.

The navigation system500can be implemented with the first device102. Each module of the navigation system500can be implemented using a combination of functional units of the first device102. For example, the navigation system500can be implemented by running the software312ofFIG. 3on the control unit308ofFIG. 3.

The user location module502can be implemented by the first device102. The user location module502can be implemented with the user interface302ofFIG. 3, the control unit308, the software312, the storage unit304, the location unit306, or a combination thereof.

For example, the control unit308can determine the origin location206. The control unit308can run the software312to interface with the location unit306to determine the origin location206. The control unit308can run the software312to interface with the storage unit304to store the origin information522.

The route generation module504can be implemented with the first device102. The route generation module can be implemented with the control unit308, the software312, the storage unit304, or a combination thereof.

For example, the control unit308can identify the destination location208ofFIG. 2. The control unit308can run the software312to interface with the storage unit304, which can include the destination database524, to identify the destination location208. The control unit308can interface with the storage unit304to store the destination information526.

The refinement request module506ofFIG. 5can be implemented with the first device102. The refinement request module506can be implemented with the user interface302, the control unit308, the software312, the storage unit304, or a combination thereof.

For example, the control unit308can receive the orientation request528. The control unit308can interface with the user interface302to receive the orientation request528from the user.

The orientation module508can be implemented with the first device102. The orientation module508can be implemented with the user interface302, the control unit308, the software312, the software312, the storage unit304, the location unit306, or a combination thereof.

For example, the control unit308can identify the prominent locations214with the first device102. The control unit308can run the software312to generate the search region638ofFIG. 6. The control unit308can run the software312to interface with the storage unit304, which can include the prominent location database642, to identify the prominent locations214. The control unit308can interface with the storage unit304to store the prominent location information644.

The route modification module510can be implemented with the first device102. The route modification module510can be implemented with the user interface302, the control unit308, the software312, the storage unit304, or a combination thereof.

For example, the control unit308can present the prominent locations214with the highest value of the prominence scores536as the orientation location210. The control unit308can interface with the user interface302, which can include the display interface202, to present the orientation location210.

The navigation system500can be implemented with the navigation system400ofFIG. 4. Each module of the navigation system400can be implemented using a combination of functional modules of the first device402ofFIG. 5and the second device406ofFIG. 4. For example, the navigation system500can be implemented by running the first software426ofFIG. 4on the first control unit412ofFIG. 4and the second software442ofFIG. 4on the second control unit434ofFIG. 4.

The user location module502can be implemented with the first device402, the second device406, or a combination thereof. The user location module502can be implemented with the first user interface418ofFIG. 4, the first control unit412, the first software426, the first storage unit414, the location unit420, or a combination thereof.

For example, the first control unit412can determine the origin location206. The first control unit412can run the first software426to interface with the location unit420to determine the origin location206. The first control unit412can run the first software426to interface with the first storage unit414to store the origin information522.

The route generation module504can be implemented with the first device402, the second device406, or a combination thereof. The route generation module504can be implemented with the first control unit412, the first software426, the first storage unit414, the first communication unit416, the first device transmission408, the second device transmission410, the second communication unit436, the second control unit434, the second software442, the second storage unit446, or a combination thereof.

For example, the first control unit412can send the destination request518ofFIG. 5to the first communication unit416. The first communication unit416can send the destination request518to the second communication unit436with the first device transmission408. The second communication unit can send the destination request518to the second control unit434.

As a further example, the second control unit434can identify the destination location208ofFIG. 2with the destination request518. The second control unit434can run the second software442to interface with the second storage unit446, which can include the destination database524, to identify the destination location208. The second control unit434can interface with the second software442to save the destination location208in the destination information526ofFIG. 5.

In another example, the second control unit434can send the destination information526to the second communication unit436. The second communication unit436can send the destination information526to the first communication unit416with the second device transmission410. The first communication unit416can send the destination information526to the first control unit412. The first control unit412can interface the with the first storage unit414to store the destination information526.

The refinement request module506ofFIG. 5can be implemented with the first device402, the second device, or a combination thereof. The refinement request module506can be implemented with the first user interface418, the first control unit412, the first software426, the first storage unit414, or a combination thereof.

For example, the first control unit412can receive the orientation request528ofFIG. 5. The first control unit412can interface with the first user interface418to receive the orientation request528form the user.

The orientation module508can be implemented with the first device402, the second device, or a combination thereof. The orientation module508can be implemented with the first control unit412, the first software426, the first storage unit414, the first communication unit416, the first device transmission408, the second device transmission410, the second communication unit436, the second control unit434, the second software442, the second storage unit446, or a combination thereof.

For example, the first control unit412can send the orientation request528to the first communication unit416. The first communication unit416can send the orientation request528to the second communication unit436with the first device transmission408. The second communication unit can send the orientation request528to the second control unit434.

As a further example, the second control unit434can identify the prominent locations214ofFIG. 2with the orientation request528. The second control unit434can run the second software442to initiate the search module602ofFIG. 6. The second control unit434can run the second software442to interface with the second storage unit446, which can include the prominent location database642ofFIG. 6, to search for the first prominent location630ofFIG. 6, the second prominent location632ofFIG. 6, and the third prominent location634ofFIG. 6. The second control unit434can interface with the second software442to save the first prominent location630, the second prominent location632, and the third prominent location634in the prominent locations214.

In another example, the second control unit434can send the prominent locations214to the second communication unit436. The second communication unit436can send the prominent locations214to the first communication unit416with the second device transmission410. The first communication unit416can send the prominent locations214to the first control unit412. The first control unit412can interface the with the first storage unit414to store the prominent locations214.

The route modification module510can be implemented with the first device402, the second device406or a combination thereof. The route modification module510can be implemented with the first user interface418, the first control unit412, the first software426, the first storage unit414, or a combination thereof.

For example, the first control unit412can present the prominent locations214with the highest value of the prominence scores536as the orientation location210. The first control unit412can interface with the first user interface418, which can include the display interface202, to present the orientation location210.

It has been discovered that the present invention provides a navigation system for orienting a user along a route. The navigation system can assist a user who is unfamiliar with a location by providing an orientation location between the origin location and the destination. The orientation location helps initially orient the user traveling from the origin to the destination. The orientation location is a prominent location within a search region around the user's origin location. The prominent location can be along the travel route and can help the user to navigate from the origin location to the prominent location then from the prominent location to the destination location.

The physical transformation of the orientation request528with the orientation module508to the prominent locations214, the orientation location210, and the orientation instruction216results in movement in the physical world, such as people using the first device102ofFIG. 1, the first device402ofFIG. 4, the navigation system500, or vehicles, based on the operation of the navigation system500. As the movement in the physical world occurs, the movement itself creates additional information that is converted back to the data for further processing with the orientation module508, the prominent locations214, the orientation location210, and the orientation instruction216for the continued operation of the navigation system500and to continue the movement in the physical world.

Referring now toFIG. 7, therein is shown a flow chart of a method700of operation of a navigation system with orientation mechanism in a further embodiment of the present invention. The method700includes: calculating a travel route from an origin location to a destination location in a block702; and identifying an orientation location along the travel route for assisting in an initial orientation from the origin location for displaying on a device in a block704.

Yet 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.

Thus, it has been discovered that the navigation system of the present invention furnishes important and heretofore unknown and unavailable solutions, capabilities, and functional aspects for improving performance, increasing reliability, increasing safety and reducing cost of using a mobile client having location based services capability. The resulting processes and configurations are 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.