Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling navigation guidance in a vehicle. The method includes: a) determining a re-route instruction based on a non-executed guidance instruction; b) presenting the re-route instruction; c) determining a non-execution of a re-route instruction; d) repeating steps a) through c) for a pre-determined number of re-route attempts; e) prompting for cancellation of navigation guidance after the pre-determined number of re-route attempts; and f) altering navigation guidance upon acceptance of the prompt for alteration.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to electronic navigation, and more particularly relates to navigation guidance systems in a vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Navigation systems generally provide travel guidance to a vehicle driver using map data stored on compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital video disc (DVD). Some navigation systems may also obtain current vehicle position data, such as through a global positioning system (GPS). In combination with the map data, such navigation systems may provide travel instructions to guide the driver to a desired destination. In one conventional mode of operation, the navigation system draws a map and a guide route on a display screen, and superimposes a vehicle position mark at a corresponding location on the map. As the present vehicle position varies with movement of the vehicle, the system may move the vehicle position mark along the guide route, or scroll the map with the vehicle position mark fixed at a specific position relative to the display screen. In another conventional mode of operation, the roads intersecting the guide route may be displayed in a simplified manner, and the travel direction at an intersection may be displayed by an arrow. The distance to the intersection, direction toward the destination, distance to the destination, etc., may also be displayed. Additionally, the travel direction at the intersection may be guided by voice output.  
         [0003]     To set the route guidance, the driver generally inputs a destination, so that the navigation system can search for a guide route to the destination. Thereafter, the navigation system searches for a guide route to the destination from the present vehicle position for display. In some navigation systems, navigation instructions are provided to the driver via the display. For example, the navigation system may display a series of driving directions, such as traveling between one intersection and another intersection for a certain distance or time and making a variety of turns onto different streets.  
         [0004]     In addition, some navigation systems include alerts or warnings that are initiated when the vehicle does not follow a given navigation instruction. Such alerts are displayed to the driver or made apparent to the driver via an audio warning. Further, such alerts may continue indefinitely until the driver returns to the guide route or interacts with the navigation system through a series of steps, such as keying-in or selecting a sequence of menu buttons to end navigation or return the navigation system to a stand-by mode.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle navigation system having a simplified cancellation or suspension of navigation guidance. In addition, it is desirable to provide a method of controlling a vehicle navigation system having a single prompt for input to cancel or suspend navigation guidance after a pre-determined number of non-executed navigation instructions. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0006]     A method is provided for controlling a vehicle navigation guidance system. a) determining a re-route instruction based on a non-executed guidance instruction; b) presenting the re-route instruction; c) determining a non-execution of a re-route instruction; d) repeating steps a) through c) for a pre-determined number of re-route attempts; e) prompting for alteration of navigation guidance after the pre-determined number of re-route attempts; and f) altering navigation guidance upon acceptance of the prompt for alteration.  
         [0007]     A navigation system in a vehicle is provided. The navigation system comprises a display unit configured to display navigation information and a first control input display element, an input element coupled to the display unit, and a control system coupled with said display unit and said input element. The navigation information is based on a pre-determined travel route for the vehicle. The input element is configured to select the first control input display element. The control system is configured to generate a dialog box on the display unit upon a pre-determined number of non-executed re-route commands, and cancel display of navigation information upon the input element selecting the first control input display element. The dialog box contains the first control input display element and comprises a prompt for navigation guidance cancellation.  
         [0008]     A computer program product is provided for a vehicle navigation system having a display unit configured to display a graphical user interface and navigation information. The computer program product comprises a computer system useable medium having computer system readable code embodied therein for managing the graphical user interface, a first computer system readable code device configured to cause a computer system to generate a dialog box in the display unit upon a pre-determined number of non-executed re-route directions, and a second computer system readable code device configured to cause the computer system to alter display of navigation information upon selecting the control input display element. The dialog box has a navigation guidance alteration prompt and a control input display element.  
         [0009]     A vehicle navigation system is provided comprising a display device configured to display navigation information, an operator input device coupled to the display device, and audio output device, a dialog box enabling element, and an audio enabling element. The dialog box enabling element is configured to enable the display device to display a dialog box upon a pre-determined number of non-executed re-route instructions. The dialog box has a navigation guidance alteration prompt and at least one control input display element. The dialog box enabling element is further configured to enable the display device to alter display of navigation information based on a selection of the control input display element by the operator input device in connection with the dialog box. The audio enabling element is configured to output audio signals corresponding to the navigation guidance alteration prompt. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle navigation guidance system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a navigation guidance display;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a navigation guidance display;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method of controlling vehicle navigation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.  
         [0016]     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle navigation guidance system  10  in a vehicle  12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the blocks of  FIG. 1  (as well as the blocks in the other diagrams disclosed herein) can represent functional elements and discrete hardware elements. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, some of the functions or hardware elements illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be implemented in a single processor unit. Alternatively, a portion of the functions may be implemented in a single processor unit in combination with hardware elements. The functions can be implemented in hardware, all in software, or a combination of hardware and software can be used.  
         [0017]     The navigation guidance system  10  includes a display device  24  displaying guidance information, a navigation controller  22  coupled to a display device  24 , and an operator input device  26  coupled with the display device  24  and the navigation controller  22  to receive selections from an operator as provided on the display device  24  by the navigation controller  22 . Based on a selected travel route, navigation guidance information may be provided on the display device  24 , such as route directions or instructions to get from a starting point or a current location to a destination. In the event of the vehicle  12  strays from the selected travel route, the navigation controller  22  determines a re-route instruction to return the vehicle  12  to the selected travel route. The display device  24  displays the re-route instruction.  
         [0018]     In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the navigation guidance system, a pop-up dialog box is displayed on the display device  24  after a pre-determined number of non-executed re-route instructions by the vehicle. The pop-up dialog box includes a prompt to cancel navigation guidance, as described in greater detail hereinbelow. After the operator indicates agreement to cancel navigation guidance, such as by using the operator input device  26 , the navigation controller  22  cancels the display of navigation information and cancels or suspends navigation guidance.  
         [0019]     The navigation guidance system  10  may further include a map storage medium  14  that contains map information, for example, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a CD-ROM controller  16  that reads the map information from the CD-ROM  14 , and a position measuring device  18  that measures a present vehicle position. In another exemplary embodiment, the map storage medium  14  may be a digital video disc (DVD), and a DVD controller is used to read the map information from the DVD. The particular type of storage medium is not critical to the operation of the navigation guidance system  10  so long as the selected storage medium has sufficient storage capacity for map information. Any variety of conventional storage medium with an associated controller for reading such storage medium may be used. Other conventional components (not shown) for determining changes to position and relative location of the vehicle  12  may also be included with the position measuring device  18  including, but not limited to, a speed sensor to detect a travel distance, a gyro to detect a travel direction, a central processing unit (CPU) for position calculation, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The navigation guidance system  10  may also include a map information memory  20  to store map information retrieved from the CD-ROM  14  or DVD.  
         [0020]     The display device  24  may be a rear projection display, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. Additionally, the display device  24  may be a heads-up display (HUD) that projects images of the display onto a desired plane, such as a wind-shield. The display device  24  may be other conventional displays that provide readily viewable displayed images or information to the operator.  
         [0021]     The navigation controller  22  controls the entire navigation system  10  and may store various control programs. For example, the navigation controller  22  may generate a map guide image based on the map information as well as menu images/list images corresponding to the travel route. Additionally, the navigation controller generally provides navigation information corresponding to the selected travel route. The map information memory  20  stores guide routes and processed results of the navigation controller, such as re-route instructions. Additionally, the map information memory  20  may store points of interests in various categories (e.g., hotels, restaurants, airports, stations, shopping malls, sporting facilities, hospitals, golf courses, etc.). A voice guide unit  28  may optionally be coupled to the navigation controller  22  that guides the travel instruction by voice output.  
         [0022]     In one exemplary embodiment, the navigation controller  22  determines navigation instructions based on the current position of the vehicle  12  in relation to the travel route. As previously mentioned, the navigation controller  22  determines re-route instructions, based on a current errant position of the vehicle  12  in relation to the travel route, to return the straying vehicle to the travel route.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a navigation guidance display  40 . The navigation guidance display  40 , such as of the display device  24  shown in  FIG. 1 , presents navigation guidance information, such as a map representation of the selected travel route or a portion thereof, textual instructions  42 , and a vehicle identifier  46 . Additionally, the navigation guidance display may present a display toolbar  44  that may be used to change the display of information on the navigation guidance display  40 .  
         [0024]     One technique for presenting information to users of computer-based systems is through a graphical user interface (GUI). A GUI is typically part of an environment provided by an operating system that is executed by a processor in the computer system: Generally, the GUI is controlled by the operating system in response to commands provided by a user and application programs or other processes executing on or accessible to the computer-based system. In the navigation guidance system  10 , the operating system may be stored in a system memory, such as the map information memory  20  or other memory, and the navigation controller  22  executes the operating system. Although the operating system is described in with respect to execution by the navigation controller  22 , a separate processing unit or processor may be coupled to the navigation controller to execute the operating system and instruct the navigation controller  22  to control the various components of the navigation guidance system.  
         [0025]     Common to virtually all conventional GUIs is the use of a mouse or other pointing device in a windowed environment. Windows are rectangular areas presented on a display that contain textual and/or graphical information related to the operation of the application program, operating system, or other processes. Generally, additional display elements are provided by the GUI to facilitate interactions with the windows. These include, for example, menus, title bars, buttons, select boxes and icons.  
         [0026]     In one exemplary embodiment, the operator interacts with the navigation guidance system by manipulating a cursor displayed on the GUI with the operator input device  26  ( FIG. 1 ), such as a pointing device. Examples of pointing devices include a control knob, joystick, and trackball. To enter information into the computer system, the operator may interact with a displayed window. In another exemplary embodiment, the operator input device  26  ( FIG. 1 ) may be a touch-sensitive surface that is coupled to the display device  24  ( FIG. 1 ), such as over-laying onto a display screen.  
         [0027]     The navigation instructions, including re-route instruction, determined by the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may be displayed on the GUI. Travel instructions by voice output from the voice guide unit  28  ( FIG. 1 ) may also notify the operator of the re-route instruction. After the pre-determined number of non-executed re-route instructions, a dialog box  50  is displayed on the display  40 . This pre-determined number may be manufacturer defined or operator defined and stored in the system memory.  
         [0028]     The dialog box is displayed on the GUI to enable the operator to enter specific information into the computer system. Dialog boxes are special windows presented on the GUI to facilitate providing inputs to the navigation guidance system  10  ( FIG. 1 ) to control application programs or other processes occurring within or accessible to the computer system. Dialog boxes generally present logically related control input display elements, such as fields for numeric or text entry, icons, select boxes, buttons and a myriad of other known display elements that enable an operator to set parameters or otherwise affect control of a desired process or system.  
         [0029]     In one exemplary embodiment, the dialog box  50  is an active dialog box that is launched or invoked and pops-up on the display  40  after the pre-determined number of non-executed re-route instructions have been displayed on the display  40 . The dialog box  50  is established to receive an operator input corresponding to alteration of navigation guidance, such as acceptance of cancellation of navigation guidance. In this embodiment, the dialog box  50  includes a text prompt  54  for canceling navigation guidance and buttons  52  to accept such prompt or continue with navigation guidance. With the touch-sensitive screen  26  ( FIG. 1 ), the operator may simply touch the region of the screen  26  ( FIG. 1 ) corresponding to the button  52  accepting cancellation of navigation guidance. Upon accepting cancellation of navigation guidance, the navigation controller  22  discontinues determining navigation information and the display returns to a non-navigation mode.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a navigation guidance display  70 . In this exemplary embodiment, the dialog box  72  includes a text prompt for continuing navigation guidance and buttons to accept different options of navigation guidance. For example, the dialog box  70  includes a button for canceling guidance  60 , a button for suspending guidance  62 , a button for changing route  64 , and a button to continue guidance  66 . Additionally, the prompt for continuing navigation guidance as well as the different navigation guidance options, such as the aforementioned buttons  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 , may be verbalized using the voice guidance unit  28  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0031]     When the suspend guidance button  62  is selected, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may continue monitoring and determining the current position of the vehicle  12  ( FIG. 1 ) in relation to the travel route while suspending determination and display of re-route instructions or guidance instructions corresponding to the travel route. When the change route button  64  is selected, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may display a new screen queering the operator for information regarding a new destination. When the continue guidance button  66  is selected, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may re-display guidance instructions for the original route. Although not specifically detailed herein, additional guidance buttons are available for selection, either alone or in combination with one or more guidance buttons.  
         [0032]     Although the foregoing embodiments have been described with regard to a display having a touch-sensitive screen over-laid onto the display, various other operator inputs may be implemented with the navigation guidance system. For example, when using a HUD, a control knob or touch pad that is readily accessible by the operator may be used even when such operator input devices may not physically be coupled with the HUD. Additionally, a HUD make be used in addition to an in-dash mounted navigation system having one display to provide a more convenient second display on a front windshield. In this example, the operator may continue to input selections using a touch-screen, as previously detailed hereinabove.  
         [0033]     Through the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ), the operating system controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the GUI and a dialog box control system, and provides scheduling, input/output control, file and data management, memory management, and related services. The navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) and operating system define a computer platform for which application programs and high-level programming languages are written. One or more buses (not shown) may be used to connect various components of the navigation guidance system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the interconnection via a system bus allows the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) to communicate with each component or subsystem and to control the execution of instructions from system memory and the exchange of information between such components. Other arrangements of components and interconnections are possible.  
         [0034]     In one exemplary embodiment, the dialog box control system is implemented in software routines which interoperate with the components of the navigation guidance system  10  ( FIG. 1 ) to perform the aforementioned dialog box functions. Such software routines typically reside in system memory, such as the map information memory  20  ( FIG. 1 ), and may be stored on any other computer-readable medium such as, for example, magnetic disk, compact disc or magnetic tape, and may be loaded into the navigation guidance system using an appropriate peripheral device as known in the art. The dialog box control system may be implemented in a well-known object-oriented programming language such as C++. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different implementations, including different function names, programming languages, data structures, and/or algorithms may also be used in embodiments of the present invention other than those described below. It should be further understood that the invention is not limited to a particular computer platform, particular operating system, particular processor, or particular high level programming language, and that the hardware components identified above are given by way of example only. The dialog box control system may be implemented, for example, in dedicated hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a method of controlling vehicle navigation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at step  100 . In the course of providing navigation guidance instructions based on the selected route, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) detects for a non-execution of a guidance instruction at step  105 . This detection may be accomplished through communication between the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) and the position measuring device  18  ( FIG. 1 ) and comparing the current position of the vehicle  12  ( FIG. 1 ) with the selected route.  
         [0036]     In the event that a non-execution of the guidance instruction is detected, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) determines whether the current re-route attempt has exceeded the pre-determined number of re-route attempts, such as a cut-off or threshold number, at step  110 . This determination may be a simple comparison of values, such as where the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) includes a counter tracking re-route attempts and compares the same with a stored value.  
         [0037]     If the number of re-route attempts has not exceeded the pre-determined number, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) determines a re-route instruction at step  115 . The navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may compare the current position or location of the vehicle  12  ( FIG. 1 ), such as by using the position measuring device  18  ( FIG. 1 ), with the selected route and determine a new set of re-route instructions to return the vehicle  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to the selected route or to the destination.  
         [0038]     The re-route instruction is displayed on the display device  24  ( FIG. 1 ) at step  120 . The re-route instruction becomes the guidance instruction at step  125  for purposes of detecting non-executed guidance instructions. For example, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may count a series of non-executed guidance instructions, that include re-route instructions, based on an original selected route or based on a new route to the same destination but having a different continuing or starting point, such as a current off-route position.  
         [0039]     If the number of re-route attempts has exceeded the pre-determined number, the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) generates a dialog box  50  ( FIG. 2 ) that pops-up on the display device  24  ( FIG. 1 ) at step  130 , such as shown in  FIG. 2 . The dialog box  52  ( FIG. 2 ) contains a prompt  54  ( FIG. 2 ) for a change in navigation guidance, such as a cancellation of navigation guidance, and a control input display element  52  ( FIG. 2 ) for accepting such cancellation. In another exemplary embodiment, the dialog box  72  ( FIG. 3 ) contains a prompt for continuing navigation guidance and pre-determined selection buttons for canceling guidance  60 , suspending guidance  62 , changing route  64 , and continuing guidance  66 . Any number of variations on navigation guidance and corresponding prompts may also be implemented.  
         [0040]     In one exemplary embodiment, navigation guidance is cancelled by the navigation controller  22  ( FIG. 1 ) upon acceptance of the prompt  52  ( FIG. 2 ) at step  135 . Acceptance of the prompt  52  ( FIG. 2 ) may be accomplished by touching the region of the touch-screen  26  ( FIG. 1 ) over the display device  24  ( FIG. 1 ) associated with the corresponding control input display element  52  ( FIG. 2 ). In another exemplary embodiment, a corresponding change to navigation guidance is implemented upon acceptance of the prompt, as best shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0041]     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.