Multi-mode route guidance system and method therefor

What is claimed is:

1. A system of route guidance comprising:

input means for receiving information specifying a destination position of a traveler;

position determining means for providing information indicative of a present position of the traveler;

map database means for storing a first type of record having topology and connectivity information and for storing a second type of record having topology, connectivity, and traffic flow restriction information; and

route guidance means, coupled to said input means, said position determining means, and said map database means, wherein said route guidance means retrieves selected records from said map database means, the selected records being determined by the specified destination position and the determined present position of the traveler, and wherein said route guidance means uses a selected record of the first type to provide ground track guidance cues to the traveler, and a selected record of the second type to provide maneuver instruction guidance cues to the traveler.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the guidance cues are provided to the traveler responsive to the present position of the traveler.

3. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the guidance cues include an indication that maneuver instructions cannot be provided if the present position of the traveler transitions from a position corresponding to a position associated with the map database that includes the second type of record, to a position corresponding to a position associated with the map database that includes the first type of record.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the guidance cues include an indication that maneuver instructions can be provided if the present position of the traveler transitions from a position corresponding to a position associated with the map database that includes the first type of record, to a position corresponding to a position associated with the map database that includes the second type of record.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising means for selecting between guidance cues including maneuver instructions and guidance cues including traveler ground track and approaching intersections when the present position of the traveler corresponds to a position associated with the map database that includes the second type of record.

6. A route guidance system comprising:

input means for receiving information specifying a destination position for a traveler;

position determining means for providing information indicative of a present position of the traveler;

map database means for storing a first type of record representing road segments having topology and connectivity information and for storing a second type of record representing road segments having topology, connectivity, and traffic flow restriction information; and

route guidance means coupled to said input means, said position determining means, and said map database means, wherein said route guidance means retrieves selected records from said map database means, the selected records being determined by the specified destination position and the determined present position of the traveler, wherein said route guidance means equates an end node for planner position to the destination position of the traveler if the selected records allow for connecting a path, having traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position and the destination position of the traveler, said route guidance means equates an end node for planner position to an intermediate position nearest to the destination position of the traveler if the set of records retrieved do not allow for connecting a path, having said traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position and the destination position of the traveler and allow for connecting a path, having traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position of the traveler and the intermediate position, wherein said route guidance means connects a planned route between the provided present position of the traveler to the end node for planner position using the road segments extracted from the selected records, and wherein said route guidance means generates a maneuver list including maneuver instructions, the maneuver list determined from the planned route.

7. A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said route guidance means further provides guidance cues including maneuver instructions extracted from the maneuver list for guiding the traveler from the present position of the traveler to the destination position of the traveler via the planned route if the end node for planner position corresponds to the destination position of the traveler, and for providing guidance cues including maneuver instructions extracted from the maneuver list for guiding the traveler from the present position of the traveler to the intermediate position nearest to the destination position of the traveler via the planned route if the end node for planner position corresponds to the intermediate position.

8. A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein the intermediate position nearest to the destination position comprises the intermediate position nearest in travel time between the present position and the destination position of the traveler.

9. A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein the intermediate position nearest to the destination position comprises the intermediate position nearest in distance between the present position and the destination position of the traveler.

10. A method of route guidance comprising the steps of:

specifying a destination position of a traveler;

determining a present position of the traveler;

providing a map database for storing a first type of record having topology and connectivity information and for storing a second type of record having topology, connectivity, and traffic flow restriction information; and

retrieving selected records from said map database, the selected records being determined by the specified destination position and the determined present position of the traveler, and using a selected record of the first type to provide ground track guidance cues to the traveler, and a selected record of the second type to provide maneuver instruction guidance cues to the traveler.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein the guidance cues include an indication that maneuver instructions cannot be provided if the present position of the traveler transitions from a position corresponding to a position in the map database that includes topology and connectivity attributes and an additional set of fields describing traffic flow restriction attributes, to a position corresponding to a position in the map database that lacks the additional set of fields describing traffic flow restriction attributes.

12. A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein the guidance cues include an indication that maneuver instructions can be provided if the present position of the traveler transitions from a position corresponding to a position in the map database that lacks an additional set of fields describing traffic flow restriction attributes to a position corresponding to a position in the map database that includes topology and connectivity attributes and the additional set of fields describing traffic flow restriction attributes.

13. A method in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a step of selecting between guidance cues including maneuver instructions and guidance cues including traveler ground track and approaching intersections when the present position of the traveler corresponds to a position on the map database that includes topology and connectivity attributes and an additional set of fields describing traffic flow restriction attributes.

14. A method of route guidance comprising the steps of:

providing a destination position for a vehicle;

providing a present position of the vehicle;

providing a map database having a multitude of records, each record representing a road segment positioned within a geographic area, each of the records having at least a set of fields describing topology and connectivity attributes for the road segment;

retrieving a set of records from said map database, the set of records retrieved determined by the destination position for a vehicle and the present position of the vehicle;

equating an end node for planner position to the destination position for the vehicle if the set of records retrieved allow for connecting a path, having traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position of the vehicle and the destination position for the vehicle, and equating an end node for planner position to an intermediate position nearest to the destination position for the vehicle if the set of records retrieved do not allow for connecting a path, having said traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position of the vehicle and the destination position for the vehicle and allow for connecting a path, having said traffic flow restriction attributes, between the provided present position of the vehicle and the intermediate position;

connecting a path between the provided present position of the vehicle to the end node for planner position using road segments extracted from the set of records retrieved; and

generating a maneuver list including maneuver instructions, the maneuver list determined from the planned route.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14 further comprising the step of providing guidance cues including maneuver instructions extracted from the maneuver list, the guidance cues for guiding the traveler from the present position of the vehicle to the destination position for the vehicle via the road segments, if the end node for planner position corresponds to the destination position for the vehicle, and for providing guidance cues including maneuver instructions extracted from the maneuver list, the guidance cues for guiding the traveler from the present position of the vehicle to the intermediate position nearest to the destination position for the vehicle via the road segments, if the end node for planner position corresponds to the intermediate position.

Description Submit all comments and votes

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally directed to the field of navigation and more particularly to systems for providing route guidance to a traveler based on a map reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical navigation systems can be essentially categorized into at least two distinct types, dot-on-the-map and route guidance. The dot-on-the-map type navigation systems are based on topology map databases. These topology map databases are relatively commonplace and many navigation systems have been designed to use this type of map database to guide a traveler between an origin and a destination position. Topology map databases typically are limited to providing elementary topological information. In those map databases used in vehicular navigation systems this may include road segment identification, road segment end points and road segment predecessors and successors. Because these map databases have no traffic flow restriction information, such as one way streets, dead end streets, speed limits, maximum vehicle weight, and maximum vehicle height, to name a few, they are limited in usefulness. This is because if the system is asked to plan and guide the traveler along a route it may plan impossible, or certainly inconvenient, routes for the traveler to follow. Typically, dot-on-the-map systems display an electronic map and a symbol, typically a dot, corresponding to the traveler's present position. The traveler will traverse a route with no advice from the system other than a pointer in the line of sight direction of a selected destination position.

Route guidance systems, on the other hand, generate a route plan between a present position and a selected destination position and then guide the traveler in real time via a series of visual and/or aural guidance instructions.

Both the dot-on-the-map and route guidance systems rely on the availability of maps, typically in the form of digital map databases. Most of the United States, Europe, and Japan are already covered by topology map databases containing road network topology and connectivity information. These topology map databases are adequate for dot-on-the-map type navigation systems.

In contrast, route guidance systems require traffic flow restriction information in addition to the road network topology information provided in the topology databases. The map databases required for this enhanced function are typically known as route guidance maps. In addition to the conventional topological information discussed above they will include various traffic flow restriction information, also introduced above. Availability of these route guidance maps is limited and full global coverage may never be available. Also, coverage for the top forty metropolitan areas in the United States is not expected for some time to come. Since route guidance systems are useful only in areas covered by route guidance map databases, the application of these systems is limited to the relatively few locations having corresponding route guidance map databases until wider map coverage is available.

What is needed is an improved route guidance system that enables a traveler to use either a topology map database or a route guidance database to provide improved navigation capabilities for either navigating in a area covered by a route guidance database or a topology map database. This will enable a user to use either type map database as desired, or as available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram of a route guidance system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a shows chart illustrating a structure and data from a map database having various navigation information in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3-1 and 3-2 together constitute a software flowchart showing method steps corresponding to a software program encoded into the navigation computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a software flowchart showing method steps corresponding to a software program callable from the main program shown in FIG. 3-1 and 3-2;

FIG. 5 illustrates additional detail of a visual display shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates additional detail of a visual display shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates additional detail of a visual display shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates additional detail of a visual display shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a drawing graphically illustrating two different map databases having different types of road segment attributes, and a planned route superimposed onto the graphical database image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of a multi-mode route guidance system and a corresponding method are detailed below.

The system includes an input device used by a traveler to specify a desired destination position. Alternatively, if this system is mounted in a vehicle, the driver can specify the destination position for the vehicle. A position determining device provides information indicative of a present position of the traveler. A map database provides memory capable of storing a first type of record that has topology and connectivity information, and a second type of record that has topology, connectivity, and traffic flow restriction information. A route guidance device retrieves selected records from the map database. The selected records retrieved are determined by the specified destination position and the present position of the traveler. The route guidance device uses a selected record of the first type to provide ground track guidance cues to the traveler, and a selected record of the second type to provide maneuver instruction guidance cues to the traveler. Preferably, the guidance cues are provided responsive to the present position of the traveler. Alternatively, the traveler may scroll through the available guidance instructions using the input device.

Also, the system can use selected records of the second type to plan a route. Once a route is planned, route guidance cues, including maneuver instructions are presented to the traveler. A route is planned by first determining an end node for the route planning function, that shall hereinafter be referred to as the end node for planner. The end node for planner is equated to the destination position of the traveler, if the selected records allow for connecting a path having traffic flow restriction attributes between the provided present position and the destination position of the traveler. The end node for planner is equated to an intermediate position nearest to the destination position of the traveler, if the set of records retrieved does not allow for connecting a path having traffic flow restriction attributes between the provided present position and the destination position of the traveler, and allows for connecting a path having traffic flow restriction attributes between the present position of the traveler and the intermediate position. A route is planned between the present position and the end node for planner using the available selected records of the second type. Note that selected records of the second type are those that have associated traffic flow restriction information. Then, a maneuver list including maneuver instructions is determined from the planned route. Presented next, are the details of the system.

Referring to FIG. 1 a system block diagram is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the system is shown as applied to a vehicle. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other platforms such as hand held devices, that may be used without a vehicle, may also take advantage of the disclosed system and method. An apparatus 100 is mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile. Element 101 is a navigation computer. In the preferred embodiment this computer includes a Motorola MC68340 microprocessor, program memory, variable memory, and various support circuitry for interfacing with attached peripheral devices. These attached peripheral devices include vehicle position sensors 103, a radio receiver 105, a CDROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) drive 107, and a display/input device 109. The vehicle position sensors 103 are employed to determine a present position of the traveler, or in this case the vehicle. These sensors include a differential odometer and a flux-gate compass. Of course, other positioning sensors such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver could be substituted or added to these sensors. The radio receiver 105 is used to receive current traffic information from a broadcasting transmitter. The current traffic information can be used by the navigation computer 101 to plan a route that avoids areas congested at certain times. Alternatively, the radio receiver 105 could be replaced by a GPS receiver for providing a present position of the traveler or vehicle as suggested earlier. The CDROM drive 107 reads optical disks 115, 117 containing various map databases. Of course, other mass storage devices may be used in place of the CDROM drive 107. The display/input device 109 includes a display 113 for displaying navigation guidance information, and a keypad 111 for inputting various traveler information such as a destination position. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that an auditory input/output system may be substituted or used in tandem with this display/input device 109 to communicate pertinent navigation information with the traveler.

Alternatively, if the platform for this improved system is a hand-held device, present position could be determined by the traveler entering his position into the navigation computer 101 via the keypad 111, and the CDROM and disks could be replaced with a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association) reader and cards. Also, this system could be applied in a vehicle without a positioning system. Also, in this case, the present position could be entered by the traveler into the navigation computer 101 via the keypad 111.

As mentioned in the Background section of this application, navigation map databases are offered with differing levels of information. This includes topology only map databases which are useful for dot-on-the-map type guidance, and route guidance map databases which are useful for providing a traveler with full route planning and guidance instructions. The system 100 described above, has the ability to interpret these different databases. Of course, if another type of database--such as one describing the location of Austrian restaurants that invoked a Mozart theme when a traveler approached one, are interpretable in this new and improved system.

When the vehicle is positioned where map data with traffic flow restriction information is available, and a destination position has been selected, route guidance instructions will be displayed. When the vehicle is positioned where only topology map data is available, an advisory mode will be entered and only topology information will be displayed. This topology information may include a display of vehicle ground track and approaching intersections. When the vehicle position is transitioning from an area covered by one map database type to another database type, a transition screen will be displayed indicating which type of displayed guidance cues will be available for guidance next.

Another aspect of the system, and corresponding method is the provision for route planning. Of particular interest is the provision for planning a route when traffic flow restriction information is available for only a portion of the route between a present position and a selected destination position. In this case, a route will be planned using the traffic flow restriction available for that portion only. If a discontinuity in the map database occurs, because either no map or a topology only type map is available between the present position of the vehicle and the destination position, then a point on a boundary of the traffic flow restriction map database nearest to the destination position will be used as an intermediate position to plan and generate route guidance instructions. Note that the term nearest may mean nearest in travel time, or nearest in distance to traverse, or most convenient to reach to name a few possibilities. Once the vehicle transits beyond this intermediate position, there will be no route guidance maneuver instructions available. While the vehicle is unguided, if a topology map database is available, the advisory mode, including the vehicle's ground track and approaching intersections, will be displayed. If no map is available, the display 113 will indicate that fact to the vehicle operator. If the vehicle enters an area covered by a map database having traffic flow restriction information, then the route planner will attempt to connect the vehicle's present position to the destination position and generate guidance instructions.

In the preferred embodiment the differing map database types are pre-merged onto a single CDROM. Optionally, a portion of the map database could be embedded into data memory located in the navigation computer 101. For instance this could be a topology map database covering a broad area such as the continental United States. Then a vehicle operator could purchase a map database with traffic flow restriction information for a certain area of interest. Since traffic flow restriction information is voluminous, with current CDROM technology about a four state area will fit on a single CDROM disk. The embodiments characterized herein are insensitive to what map database media or organization is used. The pre-merging approach simplifies the method of route planning, guidance and display but is only one of several viable approaches.

FIG. 2 illustrates a structure and data from a map database having various navigation information including both topology and traffic flow restriction information. This is an example of a particular organization for a merged map database having both types of information. The merged map database has various fields including a ROAD SEGMENT IDENTIFICATION field 201, a ROAD SEGMENT ENDPOINT POSITIONS field 203, a ROAD SEGMENT PREDECESSORS AND SUCCESSORS field 205, a ONE WAY ROAD SEGMENT field 207, a SPEED LIMIT field 209, a TURN RESTRICTIONS field 211, a MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VEHICLE WEIGHT field 213, and a MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VEHICLE HEIGHT field 215.

The ROAD SEGMENT IDENTIFICATION field 201 identifies a unique road segment number, for each road segment associated with each road segment's position as represented on a map. In RECORD 1 217 the ROAD SEGMENT IDENTIFICATION designation is 45673.

The ROAD SEGMENT ENDPOINT POSITIONS field 203 identifies a latitude and longitude position for each of the extremities of the road segment identified in the ROAD SEGMENT IDENTIFICATION field 201. In RECORD 2 219 the ROAD SEGMENT ENDPOINT POSITIONS field 203 shows a first endpoint positioned at 45689 and 1789, and a second endpoint positioned at 45621 and 1834.

The ROAD SEGMENT PREDECESSORS AND SUCCESSORS field 205 identifies the road segment identification number of road segments connected to the particular road segment in the associated map database field. An example of this is that for RECORD 2 219, road segments with road segment identifications of 3 and 8 are connected to road segment 111230.

The ONE WAY ROAD SEGMENT field 207 is encoded to indicate whether or not a particular associated road segment has a one way restriction concerning direction of traffic flow on that road segment. For instance, if no one way restriction exists an NO can be encoded into the field as shown in field 207 of RECORD 1 217. In RECORD 2 219 the direction of travel is indicated by the position of the 2 variables 324 and 411 in the ONE WAY ROAD SEGMENT field 207.

The SPEED LIMIT field 209 identifies the speed limit of the associated road segment. For instance in RECORD 2 219 the speed limit associated with the road segment 111230 is 25 MPH.

The TURN RESTRICTIONS field 211 identifies any turn restrictions associated with the corresponding road segment. For instance in the case of RECORD 1 217 a LEFT ONLY code is found in the associated TURN RESTRICTIONS field 211.

The MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VEHICLE WEIGHT field 213 identifies a maximum allowable vehicle weight for a vehicle traversing on a particular road segment. In the case of RECORD 1 217 this is 10,000 kg.

The MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VEHICLE HEIGHT field 215 identifies the maximum allowable vehicle height for a vehicle traversing on a particular road segment. In the case of RECORD 2 219 this is 3 meters.

Reference number 227 identifies the particular fields associated with topology and connectivity attributes characteristic of topology map databases. Reference number 229 identifies the particular fields associated with traffic flow restriction attributes characteristic of route guidance map databases. RECORD 1 217, and RECORD 2 219 have both topology and connectivity information and traffic flow restriction attributes. These records are considered to have full route guidance information. These records, 217 and 219, are of the second type described earlier. RECORD 3 221, RECORD 4 223, and RECORD N 225, have both topology and connectivity information but lack traffic flow restriction attributes. These records are considered to have topology information only. These records, 221, 223, and 225, are of the first type described earlier. This is important to note because if a route guidance system's route planner attempted to plan and guide a traveler along a route using only this type of data, the planner could connect the road segments. However, the route planner may ask the traveler to transit against the flow of traffic if a planned road segment included a one way street and the planner showed a path opposite traffic flow on that segment.

FIG. 2 represents one embodiment for a merged map database having a multitude of records encoded with various types of information including topology and traffic flow restriction attributes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other equivalent yet different organizations for this data. Next, method steps associated with the system shown in FIG. 1 are presented.

FIG. 3-1 and 3-2 together constitute a software flowchart showing method steps encoded into the navigation computer's 101 program memory. They represent typical programming steps necessary to provide the improved system of route guidance. The routine is called by a host, or supervisory, program running within the navigation computer. The purpose of these method steps is to provide full route guidance when the map database associated with the vehicle position has traffic flow restriction information available. If there is a discontinuity between the present position of the vehicle and the specified destination position, then the method enables guidance to an intermediate position nearest to the specified destination position. If the map database associated with the vehicle position lacks traffic flow restriction information, then the traveler will either be presented with topology type information, which may include vehicle ground track and approaching intersections, or other applicable information depending on the available map.

The routine starts at step 301. At step 303 the navigation computer 101 reads a destination position provided by a traveler via the keypad 111 on the display/input device 109, and a present position at the position of the vehicle. This present position is provided by the vehicle position sensors 103. Alternatively, in a hand held unit a portable GPS receiver could provide the present position of the traveler.

Next, in step 305 the navigation computer 101 queries a map database provided on CDROM 115 mounted on the CDROM Drive 107. This operation selects particular records, or road segments, associated with the present position of the vehicle and the specified destination position. In essence, road segments associated with an area surrounding the present position are extracted first.

Then, in step 307 the navigation computer 101 tests to see if the present position of the vehicle, as determined above, is positioned within boundaries of an area on the map having traffic flow restriction information. If the present position of the vehicle is within boundaries of an area on the map having traffic flow restriction information, then step 309 is executed.

In step 309 a route is planned. The details of this route planning method are shown in FIG. 4 and detailed below.

If the present position of the vehicle is not within boundaries of an area on the map having traffic flow restriction information then step 311 is executed. In step 311 a test is executed to determine if the present position of the vehicle is positioned within an area covered by the map database having only topology type information. If the answer is yes, then step 315 is executed. If the answer is no, then in step 313 the navigation computer 101 will display "NO MAP AVAILABLE FOR PRESENT POSITION" on the display 113.

Step 315 follows steps 309, 311, and 313. In step 315 the navigation computer 101 checks to see if the present position of the vehicle is the same as the destination position specified by the traveler. If it is, then the routine 300 is exited in step 317. If the present position of the vehicle is not the same as the destination position specified by the traveler, then the guidance method continues to step 319.

In step 319 a test is executed to determine if the present position of the vehicle is about to transition into an area covered by a different map type than the map corresponding to the vehicle's present position. In other words, the vehicle may be positioned where currently there are traffic flow restriction attributes in the map database, and is about to change position to an area where the map database lacks traffic flow restriction information but has topology and connectivity information. If a transition is about to occur, then step 321 is executed.

In step 321 a test is executed to determine whether or not the area that the vehicle is about to transition into has records in the map database that have associated traffic flow restriction information. If it doesn't, then in step 323 the navigation computer 101 sends information to the display 113 indicating a transition in position to an area having topological display only. A typical display is shown in FIG. 7. If in step 321 the navigation computer 101 determines that the area that the vehicle is about to transition into has records in the map database that have associated traffic flow restriction information, then step 331 is executed.

In step 331 the navigation computer 101 sends information to the display 113 indicating a transition in position to an area having route guidance capability and the routine 300 is reentered at step 303. A typical display is shown in FIG. 8. Note that the routine 300 is reentered at step 303 in this case so that a new route may be planned.

Returning to step 319, if a transition is not about to occur then step 325 is executed. In step 325 the navigation computer 101 determines whether or not maneuver instructions are available for cueing the traveler. Note that the provision of these maneuver instructions is detailed later in the route planning method that was mentioned earlier. If maneuver instructions are available then the vehicle position must correspond to a position on the map database that has traffic flow restriction information, or attributes, and in step 329 the maneuver instructions are shown on the display 113. A typical display format showing maneuver instructions can be seen in FIG. 5 and specifically at reference number 501. If maneuver instructions are not available then the vehicle position must correspond to a position on the map database that lacks traffic flow restriction information, or attributes, and in step 327 the dot-on-the-map type display, in this case vehicle ground track and approaching intersections are shown on the display 113. A typical display format showing vehicle ground track 601 and approaching intersections 603 can be seen in FIG. 6. Both steps 325 and 327 then return to step 315 as the vehicle traverses.

In review, the method detailed in FIG. 3 executes on the hardware platform presented in FIG. 1. This method provides full route guidance instructions to the traveler when the map database associated with the vehicle position has traffic flow restriction information available. Specifically, this means that the selected records retrieved were of the second type. If the map database associated with the vehicle position lack