Reporting of changes in navigation map data for navigation system

A method, navigation unit and map update server for updating navigation map data are disclosed. Navigation map update data is received from a navigation unit using mobile communications. The navigation map update data is obtained by detecting the position of a vehicle, calculating a route for the vehicle to a destination using the navigation map data and detecting when the calculated route to the destination is left. If so, the method begins storing position data until the vehicle is back on the calculated route, on a recalculated route to the destination from an actual position, or when it has reached the destination. Furthermore, the method comprises evaluating the stored position data to obtain navigation map update data. Navigation map update data is kept local for a geographically limited area corresponding to an area serviced by a network node in the cellular communication network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for updating navigation map data, to a navigation unit and to a navigation map server.

BACKGROUND

German patent publication DE-A-100 30 932 discloses a method and system for updating navigation map data. A vehicle continuously detects its position, e.g. using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and stores the detected position data. In a continuous or periodic manner or on request basis, the collected position data is transferred to a central database. The collected update data of multiple vehicles is evaluated by a navigation map manufacturer, and updates are made to navigation map data. The updated navigation map data may again be disseminated to navigation map data providers or to users of the navigation maps. This process usually involves a long time interval between navigation map updates.

SUMMARY

The present invention seeks to provide an improved navigation map data update method and system, in which the navigation map data, used by a navigation unit, can be updated more frequently and more reliable than in existing methods.

According to the present invention, a method for updating navigation map data is provided, comprising receiving navigation map update data from a navigation unit using mobile communications. The navigation map update data is obtained by detecting the position of a vehicle, calculating a route for the vehicle to a destination using the navigation map data and detecting when the calculated route to the destination is left, and if so, start storing position data until the vehicle is back on the calculated route, on a recalculated route to the destination from an actual position, or when reaching the destination. Furthermore, the method comprises evaluating the stored position data to obtain navigation map update data. As only data relating to deviations in existing navigation map data is collected and transmitted, much less data is required to be transmitted compared to prior art solutions where all detected position data is transmitted.

Detecting when the calculated route to the destination is left may be accomplished by detecting a deviation of the route by comparing detected actual location with the (re)calculated route. This navigation map update data, originating from actual presence at the associated locations, is much more up to date and reliable than other methods used, and may be used by navigation map data manufacturers, but also by navigation map users.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a navigation unit arranged to communicate with a cellular communication network, the navigation unit comprising a processor connected to a navigation device and to a memory unit, the navigation device being arranged to detect an actual location of the navigation unit, and the memory unit being arranged to store navigation map data. The processor is arranged to calculate a route to a destination using the navigation map data, to detect when the calculated route to the destination is left, and if so, initialize a transmission of the detected position data to a navigation map server via the mobile communication unit.

In an even further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for updating navigation map data, comprising calculating a route for a vehicle to a destination using navigation map data, detecting an actual position, detecting when the calculated route to the destination is left, and if so, transmitting the detected position data to a navigation map server.

Again, only data relating to deviations to navigation map data needs to be transmitted to the navigation map server, resulting in a lot less data traffic between the navigation unit and the navigation map server.

Furthermore, in a further aspect, the present invention relates to a navigation map server in communication with a network node associated with a group of cells of a cellular communication network, the map update server comprising a memory unit for storing navigation map data, a map update service module being arranged to receive stored position data from a navigation unit via the cellular communication network, the stored position data comprising deviations from a calculated route, and an evaluation module in communication with the map update service module, the evaluation module being arranged to evaluate the stored position data to obtain navigation map update data for a geographically limited area associated with the group of cells.

Also, the present invention relates to a method for updating navigation map data, comprising receiving via a network node associated with a group of cells of a cellular communication network stored position data from a navigation unit, the stored position data comprising deviations from a calculated route, and evaluating the stored position data to obtain navigation map update data for a geographically limited area associated with the group of cells.

By keeping the navigation map update process limited to a part of the cellular communication network servicing the geographically limited area associated with a group of cells, the data traffic load on the entire cellular communication network can be limited.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG. 1, a schematic block diagram is shown showing generic functional elements as used in embodiments of the present invention. The present invention embodiments implement automatic reporting of changes and/or errors in navigation maps as used by navigation systems, such as vehicle navigation systems using Global Positioning System (GPS) location. A navigation unit1is carried in a vehicle6and provides navigation and route information to a driver of the vehicle6. For this, the navigation unit1in an embodiment (seeFIG. 3) comprises a processor11under software control, memory12and an input/output unit13interfacing the processor11with peripherals such as a (touch screen) display14, keyboard15. Furthermore, the processor11is connected to a navigation device16, e.g. in the form of a position location device such as a GPS receiver (see also the more detailed block diagram shown inFIG. 3). Furthermore, the processor11is in communication with a map update service module17, which may be arranged to execute one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the navigation unit1is connected to a mobile terminal2, which uses a wireless connection3, e.g. a connection in a cellular mobile telecommunication network25, to send data to and receive data from a map update server4, via a network node9, such as a Serving General packet radio Support Node (SGSN) in a Global System for Mobile (GSM) or a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) network. Alternatively the functionality of the mobile terminal2can be incorporated within the navigation unit1itself. The map update server4may be part of a navigation map server4which includes the functionality of the map update server4as described in the embodiments below.

Navigation systems in general indicate on a display route instructions to a (final) destination using GPS receivers and navigation maps, preloaded as navigation map data. Generally the route suggested by the navigation unit1is calculated using the actual position using GPS data, the destination as provided by the driver of vehicle6, and the navigation map data.

Sometimes additional data from a Traffic Message Channel (TMC) Frequency Modulated (FM)-broadcasts are used to adapt route information based on actual events, e.g. traffic jam or road work information.

Errors and updates to the navigation maps are delivered to the navigation unit1using map updates, either in hardware or software. These errors and updates are reported in various ways to cartographers who will update the navigation maps indirectly. It takes quite some time before navigation map updates are processed and delivered to the navigation units1of end users, e.g. once a year or once every three months. Furthermore it is not possible to have automatic reporting of updates and errors in the maps used in navigation systems.

InFIG. 2an example of a situation encountered using the present invention embodiments is shown schematically. A route is calculated by the navigation unit1from point A to a destination (point B). Using the navigation map data, the route calculated is not a straight line, but includes a turn at point C and point D. In the actual situation, a road has been provided between points C and D, and the vehicle6can take a straight line route from point A to point B. Also inFIG. 2, a cellular network is drawn including four cells, indicated by small capitals a-d. A mobile terminal2in the vehicle6would subsequently be connected to cell a, b, d, c when travelling the indicated route. Each cell a-d represents a geographical area serviced by a radio access implementation of a cellular network25such as GSM or UMTS.

A group of cells a-d may also be seen as the geographical area serviced by a network node9of the cellular communication network25, e.g. a SGSN9servicing one or more Radio Network Controller (RNC)8with in turn one or more related Node-B units7in a UMTS network. The SGSN9can also service one or more Base Station Controllers (BSC)8with in turn one or more Base Transceiver Stations (BTS)7in a GSM network, for data transmissions. This is shown in more detail in the schematic view as depicted inFIG. 3.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the navigation unit1comprises a navigation map update service module17, e.g. in the form of a hardware subunit or software module installed in the navigation unit1(seeFIG. 3), or alternatively as a separate hardware unit connected to the navigation unit1. The map update service module17interfaces with the normal functions of the navigation unit1. As shown in the flow diagram ofFIG. 4, a position is detected (step31) and a route to a destination B is (re-)calculated (step32). When the navigation unit1detects that the vehicle6has left the calculated route and takes another route than suggested (e.g. the dashed route from point C to D inFIG. 2instead of the suggested route indicated as a solid line inFIG. 2), it notifies the map update service module17, which in turn starts to record the route taken (e.g. at local storage device12in navigation unit1), based on the actual location. The route taken, regarded as a route deviation, can be stored as navigation map update data comprising subsequent positions of the vehicle6as determined by the navigation unit1, e.g. every second. This step can also be seen as determining whether or not a deviation from the route is present, see step33in the flow diagram ofFIG. 4. The stored navigation map update data is transmitted by the map update service module17of the navigation unit1to the map update server4in the cellular communication network25with regular intervals (e.g. intervals in time, or intervals in the amount of data to be sent). Alternatively, the stored navigation map update data is transmitted upon request of the map update server4, or transmitted as a continuous stream of position data as long as the navigation unit1detects a position which is a deviation from the original route (see also step37in the flow diagram ofFIG. 4).

InFIG. 3, a more detailed schematic view is shown of a possible implementation structure of the present invention. The map update server or navigation map server4in this embodiment comprises a processor41connected to a memory unit42and an input/output unit43. Furthermore, special software modules may be provided in communication with the processor41(either software of hardware modules) which implement a map update service module44(as an alternative to or shared with the map update service17in the navigation unit1) and an evaluation module45.

The map update service module17associated with the navigation unit1performs the following functionalities in one embodiment of the present invention, of which the respective steps are shown in the flow diagram ofFIG. 5:detecting the actual position of the vehicle (step31);(re-)calculating a route for a vehicle to a destination using navigation map data (step32);detecting when the calculated route to the destination is left (step33), and if so, transmitting the position data to a navigation map server (step36).

In a further embodiment, furthermore position data is stored locally (step34) until the vehicle is back on the calculated route, on a recalculated route to the destination from the actual position (i.e. in a better position), or when reaching the destination (step35). Upon detection of that situation, the detected position data (which is stored locally) is transmitted to the navigation map server4. One or more of these functions may be executed by one of the other functional entities in the navigation unit, e.g. processor11or navigation device16.

In a further embodiment, the map update service module17is arranged to directly transmit the detected deviations to the map update server4in the telecommunications network, i.e. to stream the position data as long as a deviation is present. This is depicted in the flow diagram ofFIG. 6, which closely resembles the flow diagram ofFIG. 5. In this embodiment, when a deviation from the route is detected (step33), the detected position data is transmitted to the map update server4(step37). Furthermore, the navigation map server4is notified (e.g. by transmitting a message) that the vehicle is back on the calculated route, a recalculated route to the destination from the actual position, or that the destination has been reached (step38).

The navigation map update data is, in a further embodiment, determined by comparing the stored position data with the navigation map data stored in the memory unit12, and transmitting the navigation map update data to the navigation map server4.

From the viewpoint of the map update server4, position data is received (see step51in the flow diagram as depicted inFIG. 7), either as a continuous stream, or as a list or file of detected position data. The data may be received from a navigation unit1via a network node7,8,9associated with a group of cells a-d of a cellular communication network25. The map update server4is furthermore arranged to store the received data (step52) and to evaluate the stored data (step53) to obtain navigation map update data for geographically limited area associated with the group of cells a-d. Finally, the navigation map update data is provided (step54) either as update data for new maps, or as updates to individual navigation units1.

The map update server4in an embodiment comprises a navigation map update data evaluation module45, which evaluates the detected routes (i.e. sequences of detected and transmitted positions) with respect to navigation map data stored in memory unit42and determines and stores the navigation map update data in the memory unit42.

When the final destination B is reached or when the navigation unit1is back at a better point than before the route was left on a possibly (re-)calculated route to the destination (e.g. point D inFIG. 2), recording of the map update data is halted by the map update service module17in the navigation unit1. A better point in this context is to be interpreted as shorter in time or distance to the destination B. The recorded information is then sent via mobile communication networks such as GPRS, UMTS or equivalent technologies, e.g. using the mobile terminal2, to the map update server4.

The map update server4is associated with a geographically limited service area belonging to at least a part of a group of cells a-d in which the vehicle6is presently located. The geographically limited service area is less than a complete coverage area of an entire cellular network25. The map update server4may be in communication with (or even part of) one of the network nodes7,8,9as depicted schematically inFIG. 3, as the hierarchic structure of the cellular communication network25then assures that the map update function is limited to a geographically limited area covering a group of cells a-d in a cellular communication network25. This also has the effect that data traffic in the network25associated with the map update server4is limited to only the network part below the SGSN9(i.e. the left part of cellular network25as seen in the hierarchical view ofFIG. 3), and hierarchical part of the network above the SGSN9is not loaded with any additional data traffic.

The map update server4may be comprised in a Serving General packet radio Support Node (SGSN)8of a mobile telecommunication network25, such as a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) or Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) network. The map update server4may alternatively be comprised in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) application server communicatively connected to a mobile telecommunication network25. Furthermore, the map update server may be comprised in UMTS mobile telecommunication network nodes such as a Radio Network Controller (RNC)8or a Node-B7. Also, the map update server may be comprised in a Base Station Controller8or a Base Transceiver Station7of a GSM mobile telecommunication network.

In an exemplary embodiment, the map update server4is a separate server connected to a network node9, e.g. the SGSN, of the cellular communication network. In this manner, the map update data about the route deviation used by the vehicle6is uploaded to the map update server4for that service area only. In further embodiments, the map update server4may be associated with lower hierarchical network nodes, such as the RNC/BSC8or Node-B/BTS7.

Instead of being connected to the SGSN9, map update server4, e.g. implemented as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) application server can be reached via a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)21, wherein the GGSN21connects the SGSN9of the mobile network to a packet data network such as an IP network20comprising the map update server4. The SGSN9and GGSN21are regarded as nodes applicable to both GSM and UMTS networks

This way the map update process can be kept limited to the location where the route deviation is applicable to as the SGSN9controls only a limited number of RNC/BSC units8and Node-B/BTS nodes7corresponding to a limited number of cells in the cellular network.

The reported route deviations with the corresponding navigation map update data relating to the geographical area of the associated cells a-d of the calculated route are collected and evaluated by the map update server4. When the same or similar route deviations are reported on the same part of the calculated route by different navigation units1in vehicles6to the map update server4co-located with the SGSN9, this map update server4is arranged to (automatically) report the route deviations to the cartographers or navigation map providers, so that new maps may be issued including the evaluated route deviations as reported.

In an embodiment, a prolonged period of collection of reported route deviations may be taken into account, to be sure that the route deviation is a true and lasting change. Map update server4could apply a predetermined threshold of reported route deviations as a trigger to initiate a message with navigation map update data to the navigation map provider or cartographer (e.g. via IP network20). I.e., the map update server4is arranged to evaluate the stored position data received from a plurality of navigation units1, and to determine the navigation map update data based on a threshold value of occurrences of stored position data. Furthermore, disseminating the navigation map update data to navigation units1operating in the geographically limited area is comprised in a further embodiment.

In a further embodiment, the map update server4is arranged to store the reported route deviations as temporary local map update for the geographical area of the group of cells a-d covered by that map update server4. Using similar data transmission as in reported route deviations by navigation units1in vehicles6(i.e. using wireless connection3for GPRS/UMTS data exchange), the map update server4may also be arranged to disseminate the stored data to mobile terminals2(connected to navigation units1of vehicles6) entering the cell a-d where the route deviation is applicable. Map update data can be sent periodically to all navigation units1in the service area of the SGSN9or other network node7,8associated with the map update server4, and all necessary map update data can be sent to the navigation units1when these units1are either turned on or entering the service area of the network node9.

Note that for the wireless connection3a normal packet switched connection controlled by a SGSN9is used, but possibly also a dedicated packet switched connection could be used to the BSC/RNC8in the communication network.

In one embodiment, the feature to keep the data exchange for map update information local at the network control node9(e.g. at the SGSN9) of a specific group of cells a-d and the associated map update server4is implemented by using a specific Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context that can be configured in such way that the PDP context terminates at either the SGSN9itself or the associated map update server4connected to the network control node9. Alternatively the PDP context terminates at the GGSN21, connected to the map update server4via a packet data network (such as IP network20).

The navigation unit1communicates via a radio access unit7, e.g. a BTS in a GSM network or a Node-B unit in a UMTS network, and a RNC/BSC unit8with the SGSN9associated with the present group of cells a-d. The map update server4is in communication with the SGSN9using a special PDP for local services. The data exchange ends here, and is not transmitted further into the communication network as in known applications using a connection to an IP network20using a GPRS Node. Note that, as opposed to normal IP connections to mobile data services, in this case it is not a problem if the data connection is lost and, for instance, the IP address of the navigation unit1(or associated mobile terminal2) changes when roaming to another SGSN9associated with a neighboring group of cells, as other route deviation information will be retrieved from the other SGSN9.

Navigation unit1(or associated mobile terminal2) may even support multiple PDP contexts at the same time so that in case also a further data connection for another application related to the navigation unit1is needed (e.g. a weather update), this connection may not suffer from the connection loss on the dedicated connection to the map update server4. Note that this PDP context may also be used for other geographically bound information.

In addition to the functions discussed above, the map update server4(or already the navigation unit1) may be arranged to filter out detours for fuel stations, restaurant visits etc. easily as these visits, when occurring more frequently will also typically include a longer time where the navigation unit1is stationary, and can be excluded based on that data. This function may be implemented in the map update service module17of navigation unit1, or alternatively in the update evaluation module45in map update server4.

In a further embodiment, the map update server4(or specifically the map update service module44) is arranged to disseminate the navigation map update data to navigation units (1) operating in the geographically limited area. When a navigation unit1enters the geographically limited area covered by a group of cells a-d, corresponding to a location or routing area of the communication network25, stored route deviations relevant for that geographical area are sent from the map update server4to the navigation unit1. Map update data relevant for that group of cells may include data on roads in the vicinity of the cells a-d which are also related to the importance of the road. E.g. the map update data relating to the new road from point C to D in cells b and c as shown inFIG. 2may also be reported when a vehicle6enters cell a, as the section C-D is also important for the major road from point A to B.

In a further embodiment, a map update server4associated with a network node9covering a geographically limited service area may exchange updated navigation map information with a further map update server4associated with another geographically limited service area, e.g. a neighboring or adjacent geographically limited service area. This allows to share important navigation map update data which is relevant for other (neighboring) geographically limited areas, e.g. relating to route deviations on major roads or roads in the vicinity.

The navigation map update data may result from calamities, navigation map faults and errors as reported using the above described embodiments. However, also further changes inserted by other means in the map update server4may be included (e.g. unplanned or planned road work). Based on this information the route can be re-calculated in the navigation unit1. The received information may be cached in the navigation unit1for future use.

Using the above described invention, updates to navigation maps using real-time information are available faster and enables a more convenient route planning. There is no need to do a complete update of the navigation map in the navigation unit1, only those parts the user may become interested in in the near future need to be updated. Furthermore navigation map providers or cartographers can receive information on map updates faster. The invention as presented provides a more efficient maintenance of navigation map as only exceptions to a correspondence between the actual roads and navigation maps have to be analyzed, opposed to a situation where all roads have to be frequently checked whether they still correspond to the representation on a navigation map.

New developed areas with roads that are not yet represented on navigation maps could be recorded by deployment of the embodiments above and provided to a cartographer for making new navigation maps.

AlthoughFIG. 3presents map update server4communicatively connected to the SGSN node9, this map update server4may be connected to or comprised by any other node as the RNC/BSC7or Node-B/BTS8of the communication network where the configuration depends on a trade off between number of map update servers4and the amount of network signalling traffic related to the map updates. The mutual exchange communication between the map update servers4for navigation units1crossing service areas is also a configuration parameter.

AlthoughFIG. 2presents four cells a-d, the invention is applicable to any number of cells, even in a single cell, as the location of the map update server4is flexible with respect to the network node9in the mobile network, e.g. from GGSN21to Node-B/BTS7, serving multiple- until a single cell respectively.

Mobile operators gain revenue by adding a value added service and/or getting extra usage of their data network. Data is local to the place where it is needed (not crossing the entire communication network to a GGSN21and to an IP network20) thus saving on backbone capacity of the communication network.

The invention embodiments have been described above using a number of examples. Alternatives to and modifications of certain elements and features as described above relating to various embodiments are possible and included in the scope of protection which is defined in the claims as appended.