Abstract:
A portable navigation device is provided that includes integrated language dictionary/translation features. The navigation device includes a user interface configured to enable an operator to enter navigation instructions as well as language dictionary/translation instructions. A receiver is provided that is configured to receive signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellites. Memory in the device stores language dictionary/translation information. A processor module receives the navigation instruction and language translation instruction, obtains obtaining navigation information based on the navigation instruction, obtains language translation information from the memory based on the language translation instruction entered by the operator. An output is provided for presenting the navigation information and the language translation information to the operator (e.g. audibly and/or visually).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is generally related to a navigational device with integrated multi-language dictionary and translation functions.  
         [0002]     Portable handheld electronic devices exist today for a variety of uses and applications. For example, one type of conventional electronic device is a dedicated multi-language dictionary or translator, such as for use during travel to countries in which the operator is not necessarily fluent in the local language and customs.  
         [0003]     Another type of conventional electronic device is a portable navigation device, such as for use with that the global positioning system (GPS). Portable navigation devices offer a variety of features related to routing and navigating through roadway networks, locating points of interest and the like.  
         [0004]     However, heretofore, travelers were required to carry one portable device language translation and dictionary functions and a separate portable device that offered navigation and routing functions. A need exists for a single portable device capable of offering the functionality of a navigation device and of a language translator/dictionary, where the separate functions and applications are fully integrated with one another.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In accordance with one embodiment, a portable navigation device is provided that includes integrated language dictionary/translation features. The navigation device includes a user interface configured to enable an operator to enter navigation instructions as well as language instructions related to at least one of dictionary and translation operations. A receiver is provided that is configured to receive signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellites. Memory in the device stores language dictionary/translation information. A processor module receives the navigation instruction and language instruction, obtains navigation information based on the navigation instruction, and obtains language information from the memory based on the language instruction entered by the operator. The navigation information and the language information are provided to the operator (e.g. audibly and/or visually). 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front isometric view of a portable navigation device with an antennae open formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a rear isometric view of the portable navigation device of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0008]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a rear isometric view of the portable navigation device of  FIG. 1  with the antenna closed.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a front plan view of a portable navigation device formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an end plan view of the portable navigation device of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0011]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a front plan view of a portable navigation device formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side plan view of the portable navigation device of  FIG. 3A .  
         [0013]      FIG. 3C  illustrates an end plan view of the portable navigation device of  FIG. 3A  formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of the electronic components within the portable navigation devices of  FIGS. 1-3 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a series of exemplary screen shots presented by the portable navigation device in connection with a processing flow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a screenshot of a map presented by the display of the portable navigation device.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates exemplary screen shots presented by the portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary screenshot presented by the portable device in connection with the dictionary/translation functions.  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a flow chart performed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention for providing limited access to select features or functions preprogrammed into the portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.  
         [0027]     The embodiment discussed hereafter are is drawn to navigational systems and devices having navigation and, route calculation capabilities. One type of navigational system includes Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Such systems are known and have a variety of uses. In general, GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users. Formally known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.  
         [0028]     The GPS system is implemented when a device specially equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device can determine the precise location of that satellite via one of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals. Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three-dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation. The positioning and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 1A , and  1 B illustrate isometric views of a portable navigation device  100  formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device  100  includes a housing  102  having a front face  104  that includes a touch sensitive screen  106  provided therein. The device  100  includes a top  108 , a bottom  110  and sides  112 . An antenna  114  is rotatably mounted to the housing  102  proximate the top  108 . The antenna  114  includes a port  116  that is configured to be joined to an external GPS antenna. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the housing  102  has a back face  120  that includes a speaker  122  configured to play audible information to the user, such as navigation and language translation/dictionary information. For example, the speaker  122  may output turn-by-turn directions, words or phrases in a selected language and the like. The back face  120  also includes an open chamber  124  shaped to receive the antenna  114  when the antenna  114  is rotated to the closed position.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the device  100  with the antenna  114  in the closed position. A latch  126  is provided to retain the antenna  114  in the closed position. Side  112  includes a card slot  130  that is configured to receive cards, such as a removable security data card. The side  112  also includes a USB port  132 , such as for recharging a battery held within the housing  12 . In addition, the USB port  132  may be used for reprogramming and data transfer between the device  100  and a computer.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate views of an electronic navigational device  230  formed in accordance with an embodiment. The device  230  may be portable and may be utilized in any number of implementations such as automobile, personal marine craft, and avionic navigation. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A  a front view of the navigational device  230  is provided showing the navigational device to have a generally rectangular housing  232 . The housing  232  is constructed of resilient material and has been rounded for aesthetic and ergonomic purposes. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the control face  234  has access slots for an input key pad  238 , other individual keys  239 , and a display screen  236 . In one embodiment, the display screen  236  is a LCD display which is capable of displaying both text and graphical information. The invention, however, is not so limited. Audio information can likewise be provided.  
         [0032]     In  FIG. 2B , a side view of the navigational device  230  is provided.  FIG. 2B  illustrates that the devices housing  232  is defined by an outer front case  240  and a rear case  242 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the outer front case  240  is defined by the control face  234 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the outer front case  240  and the rear case  242  are made of one molded piece to form the device housing  232  and support input key pad  238 , other individual keys  239 , and display screen  236  in respective access slots shown in the control face  234  of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate views for another embodiment of an electronic navigational device  310 . The navigational device  310  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C  includes a personal digital assistant (PDA) with integrated GPS receiver and cellular transceiver according to the teachings of the present invention. The GPS integrated PDA operates with an operating system (OS) such as, for example, the well-known Palm or Pocket PC operating systems, or the lesser-used Linux OS. As shown in the top view of  FIG. 3A , the GPS integrated PDA  310  includes an internal integrated GPS patch antenna  314  and a cellular transceiver  316  contained in a housing  318 . The housing  318  is generally rectangular with a low profile and has a front face  320  extending from a top end  322  to a bottom end  324 . Mounted on front face  320  is a display screen  326 , which is touch sensitive and responsive to a stylus  330  (shown stored in the side view of  FIG. 3B ) or a finger touch.  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate the stylus  330  nested within housing  318  for storage and convenient access in a conventional manner. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A  illustrates a number of control buttons, or input keys  328  positioned toward the bottom end  324 . The invention, however, is not so limited and it is understood that the input keys  328  can be positioned toward the top end  322  or at any other suitable location. The end view of  FIG. 3C  illustrates a map data cartridge bay slot  332  and headphone jack  334  provided at the top end  322  of the housing  318 . Again, the invention is not so limited and instead the map data cartridge bay slot  332  and headphone jack  334  may be provided at the bottom end  324 , separately at opposite ends, or at any other suitable location.  
         [0034]     It should be understood that the structure of GPS integrated PDA  310  is shown as illustrative of one type of integrated PDA navigation device. Other physical structures, such as a cellular telephone and a vehicle-mounted unit are contemplated within the scope of this invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment for the electronic components  400  within the device  100 ,  230  or  310 . The electronic components  400  shown in  FIG. 4  include a processor  436  which is connected to a GPS antenna  414  through GPS receiver  438  via line  441 . The GPS antenna  414  is configured to receive GPS signals from satellites. The processor  436  interacts with an operating system (such as PalmOS; Pocket PC) that runs selected software depending on the intended use of the device  100 ,  230  or  310 . Processor  436  is coupled with memory  442  such as RAM via line  444 , and power source  446  for powering the electronic components of the device  100 ,  230  or  310 . The processor  436  communicates with touch sensitive display screen  426  via data line  448 .  
         [0036]     The electronic components  400  further include two other input sources that are connected to the processor  436 . Control buttons  428  are connected to processor  436  via line  451 . A map data cartridge  433  and/or a security card  431  may be inserted into cartridge bay  432  that is connected via line  452  to the processor  436 . A conventional serial I/O port  454  is connected to the processor  436  via line  456 . Cellular antenna  416  is connected to cellular transceiver  458 , which is connected to the processor  436  via line  466 . Processor  436  is connected to the speaker/headphone jack  434  via line  462 . Line  462  is also connected to a speaker  435  for audibly playing navigation and language translation/dictionary information. For example, the speaker  435  may output turn-by-turn directions, words or phrases in a selected language and the like. The device may also include an infrared port (not shown) coupled to the processor  436  that may be used to transmit information from one device to another.  
         [0037]     The electronic components  400  also include memory  464  that may be configured to store one or both of a map database  466  and a language database  468 . The map database  466  stores cartographic mapping information associated with a roadway network, while the language database  468  stores dictionary information, language information, translation information and the like. In operation, the processor  436  accesses the map database  466  and/or map data cartridge  433  in connection with navigation operations and routing calculations. The processor  436  accesses the language database  468  in connection with translation and other language related operations.  
         [0038]     Optionally, the language database  468  and the map database  466  may be provided in entirely separate memory modules. For example, memory  442  may store the map database  466 , while memory  464  stores the language database  468 . For example, one or both of the language database  468  and map database  466  may be provided on plug-in memory modules that are plugged into the cartridge bay  432  and subsequently accessed by the processor  436  to perform language/translation operations and navigation operations, respectively.  
         [0039]     The electronic components  400  shown in  FIG. 4  are powered by a power source (not shown). Different configurations of the components shown in  FIG. 4  are considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the components  400  shown in  FIG. 4  are in communication with one another via wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device includes a portable electronic navigational aid device.  
         [0040]     The cartographic database includes any number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations. In memory, different types of thoroughfares are contained in a data structure organized in a hierarchy of detail levels, or layers. The processor  436  utilizes the route calculation algorithm to find a path, or convergence, between any two of the number of locations based on various criteria. Optionally, a set of criteria includes; a number of jump segments requirement, a distance requirement, a minimum memory usage requirement, a maximum memory usage requirement, and an at least one jump segment requirement. The set of criteria may be independently variable in order to tailor an aggressiveness with which the route calculation algorithm forces switching between different levels in the hierarchy of detail levels. Optionally, the hierarchy of detail levels may include a hierarchy of ever-decreasing detail levels such that a lowest level includes the greatest amount of detail. Any other suitable hierarchy of detail levels may be used.  
         [0041]     In one embodiment, a type of thoroughfare in any given layer of the hierarchy of detail layers is determined by a traversability of the thoroughfare. For example, the traversability of the thoroughfare can be determined by the driveability of a road. Herein, the driveability of the road may be determined by the classification of the road, a speed classification of the road, a driving history on the road, and the like. However, the invention is not so limited and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, that other criteria for determining the presence of a type of thoroughfare in any given layer of the hierarchy can be suited to the present invention.  
         [0042]     Electronic components  400  further include a display  440  in communication with the processor  410  and the memory  430 . The display  440  is adapted to display all or part of the navigation information and the language/translation information.  
         [0043]     Next, an exemplary operation flow will be explained in connection with a series of exemplary screens presented on the display  426  and shown in  FIGS. 5-14 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a main menu  500  presented when the device is initially turned on or returned to the home page/menu. The main menu  500  includes a series of virtual buttons or icons or soft keys associated with certain functions (generally “icons”). Each icon represents a defined area on the screen  502 , with each area having a sufficient size and separation from one another to be independently selected with a finger touch (e.g. a 6 mm×6 mm square area, a 10 mm×10 mm square and the like). The icons may be any shape (e.g. square, rectangle or, circular, triangular, trapezoidal and the like). The icons may be presented in a cascaded window manner such that certain icons overlap one another similar to the operation of independent windows on a computer.  
         [0044]     In the example of  FIG. 5 , the main menu  500  includes a battery icon  504 , a time icon  506 , a settings icon  508 , a volume icon  510 , and a light icon  512 . The battery icon  504  is selected when the user wishes to determine the remaining battery life, while the settings icon  508  is selected when the user desires to change the system settings of the device. Examples of system settings include map, display, and the like. The volume and lighting icons  510  and  512  are selected when the user desires to adjust the volume of the audio output from the device and the back lighting characteristics of the screen  502 , respectively. The main menu  500  also offers a “Where-to” icon  514 , a “View-Map” icon  516 , and a “Travel-Kit” icon  518 . The Where-to icon  514  and View-Map icon  516  are utilized in connection with navigation operations. For example, the user may select the Where-to icon  514  when the user desires to identify a destination (e.g. locate a restaurant, hotel, gas station, and other points of interest). The View-Map icon  516  is selected when the user desires to view a map of an area, such as surrounding the present location of the user, surrounding a point of interest and the like. The Travel-Kit icon  518  is selected when the user desires to perform travel related operations.  
         [0045]     A dashed line  520  is shown to illustrate the next screen shot presented when the user selects the Where-to icon  514 . When the user selects the Where-to icon  514 , a category menu  522  is shown having various categories of potential interest to the user. From the category menu  522 , the user may select an address icon  524  to enter and locate a specific address. The user may select the “my location” icon  526 , from which the device identifies the user&#39;s present location and shows it to the user as a map and/or address. A back icon  528  directs the device to move back to a prior screen or the main menu  500 . A near icon  530  instructs the device to show the user points of interest within each category nearest the user. Scroll down and scroll up icons  532  and  534  allow the user to view additional categories that, due to space limitations, are not all able to be presented on a single screen. For example, additional categories may include intersections, attractions, shopping, banks/ATM&#39;s, entertainment, recreation, community services, and the like.  
         [0046]     The user selects one of the food icon  536 , fuel icon  538  and lodging icon  540  depending on whether the user wishes to view near restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, respectively. The “spell name” icon  542  instructs the device to present an ABC formatted keypad, from which the user types a name or address of a particular location or point of interest.  
         [0047]     The following more detailed example is set forth in connection with identifying a restaurant. However, the following description is applicable to any location or point of interest selectable through any category or subcategory. When the food icon  536  is selected, flow passes along dashed line  544  and the screen presents an alphabetical list of food subcategories  546 , from which the user may select. Examples include All-Food icon  548 , American food icon  550 , Asian food icon  552 , Chinese food icon  554 , French food icon  556  and the like. A back icon  528  permits the user to move back to the category menu  522 , while scroll down and scroll up icons  532  and  534  permit the user to view additional food subcategories. When the Chinese food icon  554  is selected flow passes along dashed line  560  and the screen presents a list of Chinese restaurant names  562 , along with the distance  564  and direction  566  to each of the corresponding restaurants. Optionally, the restaurant names  562  may be sorted based upon the nearest restaurant to the present location of the user, alphabetically, and the like. When a particular restaurant is identified, flow passes along dashed line  568  and the screen presents information related to a selected restaurant, such as the name, address, phone number and the like. A GO icon  570  is also presented that may be selected when the user desires to calculate a route from the user&#39;s present location to the restaurant. A save icon  572  may be selected when the user desires to save the location of the restaurant as a waypoint in a waypoint list saved in the map database  466 . A show map icon  574  may be selected when the user desires to view a roadway map of the area including or surrounding the restaurant selected.  
         [0048]      FIG. 6  illustrates a screen shot  602  that is presented when the show map icon  574  is selected in  FIG. 5 . The screen shot  602  includes a roadway map  604  of the road network surrounding a selected restaurant  606 . The screen shot  602  includes a direction indicator  608  indicating which direction is north. The screen shot  602  also includes zoom in and zoom out icons  610  and  612  that permit the user to zoom into a lower level more detailed road map surrounding the restaurant  606  or to zoom out to a higher level less detailed road map. Optionally, the user may touch an area on the roadway map  604  to “grab” a point and drag the user&#39;s finger across the screen  602  in order to scroll the map up, down, left and right. The device also offers simulated travel to the point of interest from the user&#39;s present location. Again, it is reiterated that the above example was provided in connection with identifying a restaurant. However, it is understood that the above process and screen formats may be presented with any point of interest for all categories and subcategories.  
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow process carried out when the Travel Kit icon  518  ( FIG. 5 ) is selected. When the travel kit option is selected, a travel kit category menu  702  is presented on the screen  502  that includes options such as a currency converter icon  704 , a measurement converter icon  706 , a dictionary icon  708  and words &amp; phrases icon  710 . The travel kit category menu  702  includes a back icon  528  and scroll up and scroll down icons  532  and  534 . When the scroll down icon  534  is selected (as denoted by dashed line  720 ), a second screen is shown of more options in the travel kit category menu  702 , including a category page icon  712 , a food and drink icon  714 , an entertainment icon  716  and a Words icon  718 . When the Word icon  718  is selected, a listing of alphabetical words is illustrated. Other examples of potential icons in the travel kit category menu  702  include an MP3 player, audible book player, picture viewer, world clock, a calculator and the like.  
         [0050]     The measurement conversion icon  706  permits the user to enter a measurement in one unit (e.g. miles, yards, feet and the like) and the device automatically converts the units to a another unit (e.g., kilometers, meters, centimeters and the like). The device performs the conversation based upon measurement tables stored in the memory  464  correlating different units to one another. The currency converter icon  74  permits the user to enter a denomination of currency (e.g. US dollars and cents) and the device automatically calculates an equal denomination of currency in a select foreign currency (e.g. pounds, Euros, Shackles, Cronin and the like). The device performs the conversion based upon stored currency conversion data that may be periodically updated through a wireless or wired connection with a remote network, computer, Internet link, GPS satellite auxiliary link and the like.  
         [0051]     The travel kit category menu  702  also includes a language conversion icon  722  that, when selected, permits the user to change the from/base and to/destination languages. When the language conversion icon  722  is selected, a language conversion menu  802  is presented (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) that includes the from/base language icon  804  and the to/destination language icon  806 . When either of icons  804  or  806  or selected, the user is presented with a list of languages from which to choose.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of when the food and drink icon  714  is selected. Flow passes along dashed line  740  when the food and drink icon  714  is selected. A phrase menu  742  is presented with a list of phrases  744  related to commonly asked questions in connection with ordering and locating food and drink. For example, the phrases may include “Where it is the nearest restaurant”, “May I have a glass of water”, “What do you recommend on the menu”, “I am allergic to shellfish”, “are vegetables included” and the like. The words and phrases in menu  742  are presented in the base/from language. When a phrase  744  is selected, flow passes along path  746  to a phrase translation window  748 . The phrase translation window  748  includes the selected phrase in the base language at window  750 , along with an audible icon  752 . When the audible icon  752  is selected, the phrase is audibly played by the device through speaker  122  ( FIG. 1 ) or  435  ( FIG. 4 ). The phrase translation window  748  also includes the same phrase in a conversion window  754 , but in the to/destination language. An audible icon  756  is provided proximate the conversion window  754  and, when selected, directs the device to audibly play the phrase in the selected destination language over speaker  122  ( FIG. 1 ) or  435  ( FIG. 4 ). The phrase translation window  748  also includes the back icon  528 , language icon  722  and scroll up and scroll down icons  532  and  534 .  
         [0053]     When the dictionary icon  708  is selected, a menu of dictionary conversion options is presented (e.g. French to English, English to Spanish, Spanish to French, and the like). When the user selects one of the bilingual dictionary options, an alphabetical listing of words is presented. The user may enter a desired word through the ABC keypad presented on the screen. Once a desired word is entered, the word is presented in the destination language, along with a textual description of the usage of the word. An audible icon (similar to audible icon  752  or  756 ) is presented and, when selected, audibly outputs the destination word over speaker  122  ( FIG. 1 ) or  435  ( FIG. 4 ).  
         [0054]     The language database  468  stores numerous common words and phrases that are used in certain circumstances often experienced by travelers. The words and phrases are organized by category of circumstance.  
         [0055]     When the category page icon  712  is selected, a select category menu  902  is presented ( FIG. 9 ) that includes travel-related category of icons, such as a problems icon  904 , commerce icon  906 , tourist icon  908 , transportation icon  910 , and a search for Key Word icon  912 . The menu  902  includes the back icon  528 , language icon  722 , scroll up and scroll down icons  532  and  534 . When the user selects a category from the menu  902 , a list of words or phrases related to the category is presented. The list of words and phrases is presented in the base/from language, to permit a user to locate a desired word or phrase related to a particular category (e.g., circumstance or event). For example, when the problems icon  904  is selected, exemplary words and phrases may include “I need a doctor”, “Please call a police man”, “I have lost my hotel room key”, “My passport has been stolen”, “Stop that person, he stole my wallet” “Can you hear me now” and the like. When the commerce icon  906  is selected, exemplary words and phrases may include “Where is the nearest bank”, “Do you take American Express”, “How much do I owe” and the like. When the Search for Key Word icon  912  is selected, the user is prompt with an ABC formatted keypad ( FIG. 10 ), from which the user may type a particular Key Word.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates a phrase menu  1102 , that includes a series of phrases related to a category or other topic selected by the user from a preceding menu. The phrases in  FIG. 11  relate to a particular category and are presented in the from/base language. The device provides the ability to customize or build a template phrase using a selected word from a list of words stored in memory. A template represents a word or phrase with a portion that may be customized by the user. The portion may be present blank and the user is afforded options to fill-in the blank. Alternatively, the portion may represent an active field that is initially populated with an initial term. The user is the afforded the opportunity of select the field, after which the user is provided with alternative terms that may be inserted into the field. An active customizable field is preferably highlighted or underlined (or both) to provide a visual indication to the user that the underlined/highlighted field is customizable. Examples of templates are “May I please have ______?”, “Where is the ______?” and the like. The device provides options for the user to fill-in the blank in the template in order to customize a phrase. For example, using a selected phrase template such as “May I have ______ wine?”, the user be given the option of selecting a type of wine from a provided list for insertion in the blank. In particular, the phrase may be presented as “May I have [red, white, a merlot] wine?” 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  illustrates a Select Word menu  1202  that is presented when the user desires to search for a particular Key Word (such as by selecting the Search for Key Word icon  912  in  FIG. 9 ).  
         [0058]      FIG. 13  illustrates a Select a Dictionary menu  1302  that is presented when the user selects the dictionary icon  708  in  FIG. 7 . The Select a Dictionary menu  1302  permits the user to select the base/from language and the to/destination language. A “To English” icon  1304  permits the user to select a dictionary that converts words/phrases from a non-English language to English.  
         [0059]      FIG. 14  illustrates a dictionary conversion page showing a German Word and two alternative interpretations in English depending upon the usage of the term. The dictionary conversion page may be presented at several points in the toolkit flow, depending upon earlier selections by the user.  
         [0060]      FIG. 15  illustrates a flow chart of an operation sequence performed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention for providing limited access to select features or functions preprogrammed into the device. The device is configured to initially store a full and complete Tool Kit database. When the device is initially purchased by user, the full and complete tool kit database is made fully available to the user for a limited free trial term. At the end of the limited free trial term (e.g. 30 days), the device automatically disables or “times out” all or a portion of the tool kit database. Upon disablement, the tool kit features and functions are no longer accessible to the user, unless and until the user purchases a security card  431  that, when plugged into the device, re-enables all or a portion of the tool kit information, features and functions.  
         [0061]     The security card  431  includes memory storing a code (e.g. encrypted code) that is read by the device once the security card is plugged into the cartridge bay  432  ( FIG. 4 ). Once the security card  431  is plugged into the cartridge bay  432 , the processor  436  reads the code and, based thereon, determines whether and to what extent to unlock the tool kit features and functions.  
         [0062]      FIG. 15  illustrates in exemplary application of the free trial and security card features. At  1500 , the device is initially loaded with the travel kit information, including but not limited to the dictionary and translation information. At  1502 , the device configures itself to provide complete or limited access to the travel kit information for a trial term. At  1504 , upon the completion of the free trial term, the device disables all or select portions of the travel kit features. The disablement occurs unless a security code has been previously loaded into the device through insertion of a security card  431 . If, at the end of the free trial term, no security card  431  has been loaded, then the travel kit features are no longer provided to the user.  
         [0063]     Should the user subsequently decided to purchase permanent access to the travel kit features, the user does so by purchasing a security card  431  that includes in memory, a valid code indicating that the user now has purchased unlimited access to the travel kit features. Once the security card  431  is loaded, the device reads from the memory thereon the code and, at  1508 , determines whether the code is valid. For example, all devices may be preconfigured with a common general validation code that is compared to the code on the security card  431 . Alternatively, separate codes may be provided to individual devices or devices sold within selected geographic regions or select periods of time (e.g. annually or based on the version of the device). At  1510 , once the security code is validated, the device re-enables all or a portion of the travel kit features.  
         [0064]     For example, the user may desire to only have certain travel kit features and thus purchase a lower cost subset of the travel kit features (uniquely identified by a particular security code). Thus, different security codes may indicate to the device that the user is entitled to different levels of access to the features and functionality of the travel kit information. At  1512 , the device disables the security code on the security card  431  in order that the same security card  431  may not be subsequently used with the same or different device. The disablement may be achieved by erasing the security code on the security card  431 , by writing over the security code, or by writing additional information to memory within the security card  431  indicating that the card has been used.  
         [0065]     While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.