GB2557688A

GB2557688A - Navigation method and system

Info

Publication number: GB2557688A
Application number: GB1621402.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hoggarth Marcus; Fearns Liberty; Choi Yeawon
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2016-12-15
Filing date: 2016-12-15
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-15
Also published as: GB2557688B; GB201621402D0

Abstract

A method 100 of navigation, the method comprising: selecting 110 a first point and a second point on a map; setting 120 at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount that extends the travel time beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount that extends the travel distance beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determining 130 a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The method may also include basing the route on the direction a user (e.g. a passenger of a vehicle) is looking. The controller configured to calculate the route may base the route on the direction a user of a second controller is looking.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Navigation method and system Abstract Title: Navigation method and system (57) A method 100 of navigation, the method comprising: selecting 110 a first point and a second point on a map; setting 120 at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount that extends the travel time beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount that extends the travel distance beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determining 130 a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The method may also include basing the route on the direction a user (e g. a passenger of a vehicle) is looking. The controller configured to calculate the route may base the route on the direction a user of a second controller is looking.

101

Fig. 1

1/3

2/3

3/3

Navigation Method and System

This disclosure relates to a method of navigation, and in particular, but not exclusively, relates to a method of navigation comprising determining an extended route between locations on a map.

Introduction

A navigation system, such as a satellite navigation system for a vehicle or a navigation application on a smartphone, can be used to navigate a user between locations. For example, a driver of a vehicle or a pedestrian can use the navigation system to guide them from their current location to a desired destination.

On many occasions, the user may wish to be guided to the desired destination in the shortest possible time and/or by covering the shortest possible distance so that they arrive at their destination quickly. As such, it is common for the navigation system to determine the shortest possible travel time and/or travel distance between their current location and the desired destination, and subsequently guide the user to their desired destination along the determined route.

In some circumstances, the navigation system is configured to suggest one or more alternative routes between their current location and their desired destination. For example, an alternate route may provide a slightly longer travel time, but avoid an undesirable area of travel, such as a toll or a the route that can become congested.

However, in certain situations, the user of a navigation system may wish to spend longer on their journey to take time to explore a local environment. As such, it is desirable for a navigation system to direct a user in a manner related to how adventurous the user is feeling.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of navigation, the method comprising: selecting a first point and a second point on a map; setting at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount that extends the travel time beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount that extends the travel distance beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determining a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The method may comprise navigating the user along the said route, for example by virtue of one or more visual and/or aural instructions.

The time margin may be a non-zero value. The distance margin may be a non-zero value. Each of the time margin and the distance margin may act to increase the total length of time of the journey and/or the total distance travelled on the journey.

The method may comprise determining the location of a point of interest on the map. In the context of the present disclosure, a point of interest may be any appropriate location that the individual may find useful or interesting, such as a public event, a restaurant, a theatre, friend or family member, and/or a landmark. The method may comprise determining the route between the first point and the second point based on the location of the point of interest, for example in combination with at least one of the time margin and the distance margin.

The method may comprise determining at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the point of interest. The method may comprise determining at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the second point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel distance between the second point and the point of interest. The method may comprise determining a period of time that may be spent at the point of interest based on the set time margin and at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel time between the second point and the point of interest.

The method may comprise recording user location data over a plurality of journeys, for example to determine one or more locations on the map that a user has visited and/or one or more routes that the user has used. The method may comprise determining a frequency by which the user visits the one or more locations and/or uses the one or more routes. The method may comprise determining the route based on the frequency by which the user visits the one or more locations.

The point of interest may be a location on the map having a frequency of visits below a predetermined frequency of visits. For example, the point of interest on the map may be a cafe that the user has not been to recently or at all, or a relative that the user has not visited recently.

The method may comprise constructing a map of locations to which a user has been based on the user location data. The map of user locations may provide an indication to the user regarding the frequency by which they visit certain locations on the map. The map of user locations may indicate to the user places where they have been or have not been on the map.

The point of interest may be a location not listed on the map of user locations. For example, the point of interest may be a location outside of the user’s usual region of travel.

The method may comprise determining the period of time for which the point of interest exists. For example, the point of interest may be a point of interest that only exists during a particular season of the year, such as blossoming flowers. The point of interest may be a point of interest that only exists for a particular period of a day, for example a public display, or a shop having certain opening times.

The method may comprise determining the route based on the period for which the point of interest exists. For example, where the point of interest exists only for a predetermined period, such as where the point of interest is concert, the method may comprise determining the route based on the start and/or end times of the point of interest.

The method may comprise establishing an operative connection between a first controller of the navigation system and second controller of the navigation system. For example, the navigation system may comprise a network of controllers that can be operatively connected to each other and/or a central server for the purpose of transferring data between at least the first controller, the second controller, and the central server. The method may comprise transferring data between the first controller and the second controller, for example by virtue of a direct connection between the first controller and the second controller and/or a connection via the central server. The method may comprise determining the route between the first point and the second point based on the data transferred between the first controller, the second controller and/or the central server, for example in combination with at least one of the time margin and the distance margin.

The first and second controllers may be configured to determine the relative positions of each other. The method may comprise defining the point of interest as the position of one of the first controller and the second controller relative to the other of the first controller and the second controller.

The method may comprising determining the direction in which a user of the navigation system and/or a passenger of a vehicle is looking using an imaging device. For example, the navigation system may comprise one or more imaging devices configured to determine, track and/or monitor the position of the eyes and/or the head of the user. The method may comprise determining the route between the first point and the second point based on the direction in which the user is looking, for example in combination with at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The method may comprise determining the route of the user of the first controller based at least partially on the direction in which the user of the second controller is looking. For example, the first and second controllers may each be an in-car navigation device fitted to respective vehicle. Where it has been determined that the user of the first controller is looking in a particular direction, for example at a landmark, or any other appropriate point of interest, the user of the second controller may be directed towards whatever the user of the first controller is looking at. In other words, data regarding the direction in which a user of a navigation system controller is looking may be used to determine the location of a point of interest on the map, and subsequently used to guide another user to the said point of interest.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a navigation system for a vehicle, the navigation system comprising a controller configured to: allow a user of the navigation system to: select a first point and a second point on a map; and set at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount by which the travel time extends beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount by which the travel distance extends beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determine a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The controller may be configured to navigate the user along the said route, for example by virtue of one or more visual and/or aural instructions.

The navigation system may be configured to determine the location of one or more points of interest on the map. The navigation system may be configured to determine the route between the first point and the second point based on the one or more points of interest.

The navigation system may comprise a central server. The controller may be operatively connected to the central server to update the one or more points of interest on the map.

The controller may be configured to update the map with one or more points of interest that are located within a region on the map defined at least partially by at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. For example, the controller may comprise a screen configured to display the map. The map may be marked with a boundary that is defined at least partially by at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. The boundary may mark the extent by which the user my deviate away from at least one of the shortest travel distance and the shortest travel time and still arrive at the user’s choses destination at an appropriate time.

A vehicle may be provided comprising one or more of the above-mentioned navigation systems.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of navigation for a vehicle, the method comprising: recording user location data; constructing a map of locations to which a user has been based on the user location data; determining the frequency by which the user visits the locations recorded on the map; determining a route to a user-selected destination based on the user location data and the frequency by which the user visits the locations recorded on the map; and navigating the user to the destination along the determined route.

Each of the above described methods may comprise constructing a user profile based on at least the selected first point on the map and the selected second point on the map.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a navigation system comprising an imaging device, the imaging device being configured to determine the direction in which a user of the navigation device is looking.

The invention also provides software, such as a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying the disclosure may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or arrangements of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or arrangement of the disclosure may also be used with any other aspect or arrangement of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a navigation system;

Figure 2 shows a flowchart depicting a method of navigation; and

Figure 3 shows an example of a route determined using the method of navigation.

Detailed Description

It is common for an individual to use a navigation system, for example an in-car navigation system or a navigation application on a smartphone, to help guide them between locations. For example, an individual may wish to travel from their current location to another location, such as a place of work or the home of a friend or family member.

Usually, an individual is concerned with minimising the travel time and/or the travel distance between locations, so as to reach their destination as quickly and inexpensively as possible. However, in some cases, the individual may wish to spend time exploring their locality and enhance their experience whilst travelling between locations. The present invention provides a navigation method and system that can improve an individual’s journey between locations, for example by providing one or more routes that take the individual via one or more waypoints on their way to their chosen destination. In one arrangement, the navigation system may be configured to locate one or more points of interest (POI) on a map and guide the individual from a first location on the map to a second location on the map via the point of interest, thus making their journey between locations more interesting. In the context of the present disclosure, a point of interest may be any appropriate location that the individual may find useful or interesting, such as a public event, a restaurant, a theatre, friend or family member, and/or a beauty spot.

When determining the route for a particular journey, the individual may be provided with an option to determine by how much time and/or by how much distance they wish to extend the route for their journey. In one arrangement, the determination by individual may be regarded as a choice by the individual of how adventurous they wish to be with the route for their journey. The level of adventurousness of an individual may be a measure of the time and/or the distance that the individual is prepared to deviate from the quickest and/or shortest route, and still arrive at their chosen destination at an acceptable time. As such, the navigation system may be configured to suggest to the individual one or more routes within a zone on a map, the size and shape of the zone being determined by the level of adventurousness of the individual.

Figures 1 and 2 depict respectively a navigation system 101 and a navigation method 100 according to the present disclosure. The navigation system 101 comprises a controller 103 configured to allow an individual to select at least a first point on a map, for example location A, and a second point on the map, for example location B (step 110 in figure 2). The first point on the map may be the individual’s current location and the second point on the map may be the individual’s chosen destination. However, the first and second points may be any appropriate points that the individual wishes to visit. For example, that first and second points may be selected for the purposes of the individual planning a future journey. As such, the first and second points each points remote from the individual's current location.

In one arrangement, the first point on the map may be selected automatically by the navigation system 101, for example the controller 103 may be configured to make a default selection of the first point based on the individual’s current location. The individual may be asked to confirm the default selection.

Once the first and second points have been selected, the controller 103 is able to determine at least one of the shortest possible travel time and the shortest possible travel distance between the first and second points on the map. The shortest possible travel time and/or travel distance may be determined in any appropriate manner, for example by communicating with a central server, so that the controller 103 may account for current levels of traffic on particular routes.

The present disclosure is advantageous over known navigation systems and methods as the controller 103 is configured to allow the individual to set at least one of a time margin and a distance margin. Specifically, the time margin is an amount by which the travel time extends beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin is an amount by which the travel distance extends beyond the shortest possible distance between the first point and the second point. In other words, the navigation method 100 comprises a step 120 in which an individual is able set, i.e. input into the navigation system 101, a chosen amount of time and/or distance by which they wish to extend their journey. Importantly, the disclosed navigation system 101 and method 100 allow the individual to extend the limits/boundaries of a route based on a chosen additional amount of time beyond the quickest (or next quickest) route and/or a chosen additional amount of distance beyond the shortest (or next shortest) route. In this manner, the present disclosure allows an individual to increase the chance of experiencing something of interest when traveling between locations.

Once the individual has selected the first and second points on the map (step 110), and has set at least one of the time margin and the distance margin (step 120), the controller 103 is configured to determine one or more routes between the first and second points on the map based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin (step 130), which have been set by the individual. The navigation system 101 may be configured to navigate the individual between the first and second points on the map (step 140), for example along one or more extended routes between location A and location B.

Figure 3 shows an example of a route determined using the method of navigation 100, which may be displayed on a screen of the controller 103. In particular, figure 3 shows a portion of a map showing a road network. The map shows a first point on the map, location A, and a second point on the map, location B, between which an individual wishes to navigate. Once the individual has selected locations A and B, the controller 103 is able to determine a route, for example a first route, having the shortest possible travel time and/or travel distance between locations A and B, which is marked by the solid line between A and B on the map. In one arrangement, the controller 103 may be configured to hide, e.g. not display, the first route to the individual.

The map in figure 3 shows a boundary 111, which is denoted by the hashed region on the map. In the arrangement shown in figure 3, the extent of the boundary 111 is based on the shortest distance between locations A and B and the time margin set by the individual. However, in one or more other arrangements, boundary 111 may be based on at least one of the shortest travel distance between locations A and B and the shortest travel time between locations A and B, in combination with at least one of the time margin and the distance margin set by the individual. For example, where the controller 103 has determined the route having the shortest possible travel time TMIN, for example 20 minutes, between locations A and B, and the individual has input a time margin dT of 10 minutes, the controller is configured to determine the extent to which the individual may deviate away from the shortest possible route and complete the journey between A and B within a total allowable time TMAX, which is equal to the shortest possible travel time TMIN plus the time margin dT, i.e. 20 minutes plus 10 minutes. In other words, the individual can input to the controller 103 an additional time period which they are willing to spend exploring the locale whilst traveling between locations A and B. Thus, in this manner, the individual is able to set a period of time by which they are willing to extend their journey in order to experience one or more POIs that they would not have encountered whilst completing a journey having the shortest possible travel time and/or travel distance between locations A and B.

Figure 3 shows a route R, for example a second route, which is marked by the dashed line on the map. The route R indicates a route that the individual may take when travelling between locations A and B that may be completed within the above mentioned total allowable time TMAX. Thus, it can be seen that the present disclosure provides a route option R that presents the individual with one or more experiences that would be otherwise missed if the individual elects to take the shortest possible route between locations. Importantly, the individual is able to set how “adventurous” they wish to be by setting at least one of the time margin and the distance margin. For example, if the individual is feeling particularly adventurous, they may wish to set the time margin at a large amount compared to the shortest possible travel time. Conversely, if the individual only has a small amount of extra time to play with, they may set the notional “adventure level” to a low level, which determines that they may only deviate away from the shortest possible route by a comparatively short amount of time.

Whilst the arrangement shown in figure 3 shows both of the shortest route and the longer route R, it is understood that the controller 103 may be configured to display only the longer alternative route R upon the individual setting the time/distance margin.

Whilst the boundary 111 in the above example is set by reference to the shortest possible travel time and the time margin by which the individual wishes to extend the shortest possible travel time, it is understood that in one or more other arrangements, the extent of the boundary 111 may be based on the shortest distance between locations A and B and the distance margin set by the individual, in addition to or instead of the time margin.

In one arrangement, the controller 103 may comprise a graphical user interface that allows the individual to use the controller 103 by virtue of the individual touching a screen of the controller. For example, the individual may select the time margin and/or the distance margin by making one or more touch gestures, for example a pinch and zoom type gesture, on a touchscreen interface of the controller 103. In this manner, the individual is able to define a size of the envelope, i.e. boundary 111, surrounding the shortest possible route. The controller 103 may be configured to display on the map one or more alternative routes covered by the particular setting for the time margin and/or the distance margin. As shown in figure 3, based on the set time/distance margin, the possible areas to which the individual may travel can be displayed in a first manner, for example in an unobscured manner, and the areas outside the possible travel area may be displayed in another manner, for example as a hashed, greyed-out and/or blurred region.

The method 100 may comprise determining the location of a POI on the map. For example, the POI may be a landmark, restaurant, or event within the vicinity of the individual. In the arrangement shown in figure 3, the controller 103 has determined the location of a POI, which is marked at location C on the map. The method 100 may comprise determining the above mentioned alternative route R based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin, and the location of the POI. In this manner, the controller 103 may be configured to determine if it is possible to provide a route R that would take the individual via the POI when travelling between locations A and B, whilst ensuring that the overall extended travel time does not extend beyond that set by the individual. For example, where the controller determines the location of the POI (location C), the method 100 may comprise determining the shortest possible travel time between location A and location C. Similarly, the method 100 may comprise determining the shortest possible travel time between location C and location B. In this manner, the controller 103 is configured to compare the total allowable travel time TMAX to the sum of the shortest possible travel time between location A and location C and the shortest possible travel time between location C and location B. As a result, the controller 103 is able to determine the amount of time that the individual may spend at the POI, whilst ensuring that the total travel time does not exceed the total allowable travel time TMAX.

In one arrangement, the POI may be a tourist attraction that requires a certain amount of time to visit. Where the individual sets the time margin to a particular amount, the controller 103 is able to determine if the set time margin allows the individual to spend an adequate amount of time visiting the POI. Where it is determined that the set time margin allows the individual the visit the POI and still travel between locations A and B within the total allowable time TMAX, the controller will provide one or more suitable routes R to navigate the individual between locations A and B, via location C.

In some circumstances, the POI may lie on the determined shortest possible route, for example on the route marked by the solid line on figure 3. In such a circumstance, the individual may not have to increase substantially their overall travel distance, but only their travel time, in order to visit the POI. In this manner, the method 100 may comprise determining if it is possible for the individual to stop at one or more POIs along the shortest possible route, and still arrive at their chosen destination within the total allowable time TMAX. For example, the method 100 may be used to determine if there is sufficient time to allow the individual to stop for a coffee at a new coffee shop whilst travelling between locations A and B.

Where it is determined that the set time margin precludes the individual from visiting the POI, the method may comprise a step of prompting the individual to increase the set time margin to allow for sufficient time to visit the POI. Additionally or alternatively, if the POI is determined to be outside of the boundary 111 defined by a set distance margin, the method 100 may comprise a step of prompting the individual to increase the set distance margin to allow the individual to visit the POI.

In one arrangement, the navigation system 101 may comprise a central server 105 that is operatively connected to the controller 103, the central server 105 being configured to store map data. In particular, the central server 105 may be configured to store data regarding one or more POIs, and transmit the POI data to the controller 103. In this manner, the controller need not store POI data, instead being configured to obtain POI data from the central server.

The central server 105 may store POI data associated with a particular location. For example, the server 105 may store information about an interesting landmark, and/or an event which happens at a particular location and/or at a particular time. In particular, the server 105 may store data regarding whether the POI exists only for a fixed time. Examples include a sporting event occurring at a fixed time for a set period, trees being in blossom at a particular time of the year, and/or a parade passing through a city at a particular time and place. As such, the controller 103 may be operatively connected to the central server 105 for the purpose of updating POI data depending on the state and/or the existence of the POI. For example, where the POI is a public event, such as a parade, the central server 105 may transmit POI data to the controller 103 so that the controller 103 can determine the time and/or the location of the parade. In this manner, the controller 103 may be configured to determine the route R so that the individual is navigated to intersect the parade when the individual travels between locations A and B. Once the parade has finished, the POI parade data may be deleted from the controller 103 so as not to be used again when determining the route R.

Additionally or alternatively, the POI data may be updated in relation to seasonal information. For example, where the POI is a tree-lined avenue that is particularly beautiful to drive along whilst the trees are in blossom, the central server 105 may transmit POI data to the controller 103 so that the controller 103 can locate one or more seasonal POIs on the map, such as the tree lined avenue. In this manner, the controller 103 may be configured to determine the route R so that the individual is navigated along the tree lined avenue whilst the trees are in blossom when the individual travels between locations A and B. Once the trees have stopped blossoming, the POI seasonal data may be deleted from the controller 103 so as not to be used again when determining the route R.

In another example, the POI may be a man-made event or spectacle, such as a concert or a firework display. In such a case, the central server 105 may be configured to obtain data from an external source and update the controller 103 with POI data relating to one or more events occurring temporarily. For example, the POI may be an event occurring at a certain time of the day. As such, the central server 105 may transmit event data to the controller 103 so that the controller 103 can locate the event POI on the map. In this manner, the controller 103 may be configured to determine the route R so that the individual is navigated via the event whilst on their journey between locations A and B. Once the event has finished, the POI may be deleted from the controller 103 so as not to be used again when determining the route R.

It can be seen, therefore, that the navigation system 101 and method 100 may be used to guide an individual so that their journey coincides with one or more POIs that exist for a finite amount of time, which may be a few weeks of the year in the case of blossoming trees, or a matter of hours in relation to a man-made show or spectacle.

The controller 103 may communicate with the central server 105 to determine which of the events may be occurring within the boundary 111 marked on figure 3. The controller 103 may then determine one or more possible routes that take in such events. In the case of an event lasting for a predetermined amount of time, such a few minutes or hours, the controller 103 may determine one or more routes to the event so that the individual arrives at the event at the appropriate time. The controller 103 may then determine one or more appropriate routes for the remainder of the journey.

In certain circumstances, the controller 103 may present the individual with a number of route options which allow the user to visit one or more POIs within the boundary 111, depending on the individual’s setting for the time margin and/or the distance margin.

In one arrangement, the navigation system 101 may comprise a plurality of controllers 103, for example a first controller 107 and a second controller 109. The first and second controllers 107, 109 may be operatively connected so as to transfer data between each other. For example, the navigation system 101 may comprise a network of controllers 103 that are operatively connected to each other and/or the central server 105. In this manner, data, such as POI data, may be transferred between the first and second controllers 107, 109. This is advantageous as it allows an individual to input one or more POIs to a database that can be shared amongst the network of controllers. For example, an individual using one of the controllers 107, 109 may input POI data to the first controller 107, for example by marking on the map a particular POI, such as a bridge from which to view a sunset. Since the first and second controller 107, 109 are operatively connected, another individual using the second controller 109 can access the POI data input by the first user and thus be directed via the bridge when on a journey.

In one arrangement, the controller 103 may comprise an imaging device configured to determine, for example monitor and/or track, the gaze direction of one or more individuals, by virtue of movement of the eyes and/or the head of the individual. Where the navigation system 101 is an in-car navigation system, the controller 103 may be configured to monitor the gaze direction of the occupant(s) of the vehicle. If it is determined that one or more of the occupants of the vehicle are looking in a particular direction, for example out of one side of the vehicle at a particular location, it may be deduced that there is something of interest in that direction. For example, where a vehicle is travelling over a bridge from which there is a particularly good view of the surrounding area, the imaging device may be configured to determine when one or more of the occupants of the vehicle move their gaze to look at the view from the bridge. The controller 103 may store data regarding the direction in which the individual is looking, and/or send such data to the central server 105. In this manner, the data regarding the gaze direction of one or more individuals using the navigation system 101 can be used to determine the location of a POI, such as the view from the bridge.

Where the navigation system 101 comprises the first and second controllers 107, 109, data regarding the gaze direction of the individual using the first controller 107 can be transferred to the second controller 109, and used to determine the route R of the individual using the second controller 109. For example, where the first controller 105 determines the location of a POI based on the gaze of the individual using the first controller 107, the second controller may be updated with POI data, so that the individual using the second controller 109 may be directed via the POI that the individual using the first controller 107 is looking at.

Where the navigation comprises a network of controllers 103, for example tens, hundreds or thousands of controllers 103, the gaze of each respective user may be tracked. The central server 105 may be configured to gather gaze data, for example in real-time, to update the POI data on each of the controllers 103 in the network. In this manner, as an event occurs in a particular area, for example in a city, the POI data on each controller 103 may be refreshed, so that the controller 103 can suggest one or more new routes via the said event. The one or more new routes may even be suggested whilst an individual is mid-journey if it is possible for the individual to visit the said event within the time and/or distance margin set by the individual, i.e. inside of the boundary 111. Where the said event is occurring outside of the time and/or distance margin set by the individual, i.e. outside of the boundary 111, the controller 103 may be configured to ask the individual if they wish to further extend their journey so that they may visit the new event.

In other words, the navigation system 103 may comprise a gaze tracking system configured to determine if the occupants of one or more vehicles are interested in and/or engaged by their surroundings and such information may be fed back to the central server 105 so that it can be shared with the occupants of other vehicles.

In one arrangement, the controller 103 may be configured to determine the emotional state of the individual using the controller 103. For example, the controller 103 may be configured to recognise the facial response of the individual using the controller 103 by virtue of one or more imaging devices, such as facial tracking software, and/or one or more sensors configured to determine the physical state of the individual, such as the individual’s heart rate. In this manner, the controller 103 may record data regarding the individual’s emotional state during a journey. If it is determined that the individual is in a depressed/unexcited emotional state, the controller 103 may suggest to the individual that they try one or more different routes when travelling between locations. For example, where the individual is unexcited, the controller 103 may suggest that the individual increase their travel time and/or travel distance to visits one or more POIs whilst travelling between locations on the map.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 103 may be configured to compare the emotional state of the individual to the location of the individual. For example, when the individual is located at or near to a POI, the controller 103 may analyse the individual’s emotional response to the said POI. For example, where the navigation system 101 updates the POI data with new POIs, the navigation system 101 may determine the emotional response of the individual to the new POI, when the individual visits the POI. In this manner, as new PIOs are populated on the map, the navigation system 101 may be configured to curate the POI data based on the emotional response of the individual. This is advantageous since the navigation system 101 may remove certain POIs from the map when it is determined that the individuals that visit the POI have a negative emotional response, for example when the POI has deteriorated in quality, or no longer exists.

The navigation system 101 and method 100 may be configured to record user location data, for example over a plurality of journeys. In this manner, the navigation system 101 is able to determine the frequency by which an individual visit one or more locations. For example, where the individual commutes between their home and their place of work, the navigation system may record the number of times in a given period, such as a week or a month, that the individual travels along a particular road on their way to/from work. As such, the navigation system 101 may determine the frequency by which the individual travels along that particular road. In a similar manner, an individual may have a preferred restaurant that they enjoy eating at. As such, the navigation system 101 may determine the frequency by which the individual visits their preferred restaurant. In this manner, the navigation system 101 is able to determine the frequency by which the individual uses certain routes and/or visits certain POIs.

The controller 103 may be configured to store data regarding the frequency by which the individual visits certain locations, such as the individual’s home, place of work, favourite restaurant, and/or any other appropriate POI. As such, for any given region on the map, the controller 103 is able to indicate to the user the regions on the map which they have more or less often, or indeed visited at all.

In one arrangement, the navigation system 101 may be configured to determine the frequency by which the individual visits one or more locations on the map and/or uses one or more routes between locations. As such, the determined route R between two or more selected locations may be based on the frequency by which the individual has visited one or more other locations and/or used one or more routes, i.e. based on the individual’s journey history. In one arrangement, the navigation system 101 may be configured to build a journey profile of the individual based on historical data. Where the individual takes a substantially similar route to work every day, the route between the individual’s home and place of work may be determined based on the frequency by which they pass certain POIs on their journey. For example, where the individual has more time than usual on their way to work, the method 100 may comprise determining a route between the individual’s home and place of work along a seldom used route, so that the individual may visit a new POI on the map, such as a coffee shop.

In order to help the individual set the time and distance margin, the controller 103 may provide an indication to the individual regarding the frequency that they visit certain locations on the map. For example, the controller 103 may be configured to display to the individual a map showing data which indicates to the individual places where they have been or have not been on the map. In a particular arrangement, the controller 103 may be configured to shows areas that the individual has been in light colours and the areas where the individual hasn’t been in dark colour. In other words, the controller 103 may be configured to produce a “heat map” that allows the individual to recognize areas that they frequently visit and encourage the individual to visit areas beyond those they frequently visit. The colour or shading of the locations can also vary with the time since the individual has visited a particular location. For example, if the individual has not visited a particular location for some time, the colour or shading of that location may change. This may suggest to the individual that they may wish to re-visit a previous favourite location. In this manner, the map showing data which indicates to the individual places where they have been or not been on the map can be used to help the individual set the amount by wish to extend their travel time and/or their travel distance beyond the shortest possible travel time and/or travel distance, so that the individual is able to have one or more new experiences whist traveling around a region. It can be seen, therefore, that the present disclose is beneficial as it allows the user of the navigation system 101, such as an in-car navigation system, to expand their horizons when travelling between locations.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more arrangements, it is not limited to the disclosed arrangements and alternative arrangements could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of navigation, the method comprising:

selecting a first point and a second point on a map;

setting at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount that extends the travel time beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount that extends the travel distance beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determining a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin.

2. A method according to claim 1, the method comprising determining the location of a point of interest on the map, the said route being based on the location of the point of interest.

3. A method according to claim 2, the method comprising determining at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the point of interest.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, the method comprising determining at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the second point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel distance between the second point and the point of interest.

5. A method according to claims 3 or 4, the method comprising determining a period of time that may be spent at the point of interest based on the set time margin and at least one of the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the point of interest and the shortest possible travel time between the second point and the point of interest.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising recording user location data over a plurality of journeys to determine one or more locations on the map that a user has visited.

7. A method according to claim 6, the method comprising determining a frequency by which the user visits the one or more locations.

8. A method according to claim 7, the method comprising determining the said route based on the frequency by which the user visits the one or more locations.

9. A method according to any of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the point of interest comprises a location on the map having a frequency of visits below a predetermined frequency of visits.

10. A method according to any of claims 6 to 9, the method comprising constructing a map of locations to which a user has been based on the user location data.

11. A method according to any of claims 2 to 9 and 10, wherein the point of interest comprises a location not listed on the map of user locations.

12. A method according to any of claims 2 to 11, the method comprising determining the period of time for which the point of interest exists.

13. A method according to claim 12, the method comprising determining the said route based on the period for which the point of interest exists.

14. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising determining the direction in which a user of the navigation system is looking using an imaging device, the said route being based on the direction in which the user is looking.

15. A navigation method according to claim 14, wherein the navigation system comprises a network of the controllers having at least a first controller and a second controller, the first and second controllers being configured to operatively connect to each other for the purpose of transferring data

35 therebetween, the method comprising:

determining the route of a user of the first controller based at least partially on the direction in which the user of the second controller is looking.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621402.5 Examiner: Dr Katy Nelson

15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising establishing an operative connection between a first controller of the navigation system and second controller of the navigation system, transferring data between the first controller and the second controller, the said route being based on the data transferred between the first controller and the second controller.

16. A navigation system for a vehicle, the navigation system comprising a controller configured to:

allow a user of the navigation system to:

select a first point and a second point on a map; and set at least one of a time margin and a distance margin, the time margin being an amount by which the travel time extends beyond the shortest possible travel time between the first point and the second point, and the distance margin being an amount by which the travel distance extends beyond the shortest possible travel distance between the first point and the second point; and determine a route between the first point and the second point based on at least one of the time margin and the distance margin.

17. A navigation system according to claim 16, the navigation system being configured to determine the location of one or more points of interest on the map and determine the route between the first point and the second point based on the one or more points of interest.

18. A navigation system according to claim 17, the navigation system comprising a central server, the controller being operatively connected to the central server to update the one or more points of interest on the map.

19. A navigation system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the controller is configured to update the map with one or more points of interest that are located within a region on the map defined at least partially by at least one of the time margin and the distance margin.

20. A navigation system according to any of claims 17 to 19, the navigation system comprising a first controller and a second controller that are operatively connected to each other to transfer data regarding one or more points of interest.

21. A navigation system according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the first and second controllers are configured to determine the relative positions of each other, the point of interest being the position one of the first controller and the second controller relative to the other of the first controller and the second controller.

22. A navigation system according ant of claims 17 to 21, wherein the controller

5 comprises an imaging device configured to determine the direction in which the user is looking.

23. A navigation system according to claim 22, wherein the determined route is based on the direction in which the user is looking.

24. A navigation system according to claim 20 or 21 when dependent on claim 22 or 23, wherein the first controller is configured to determine route is based on the determine the direction in which the user of the second controller is looking.

25. A vehicle comprising one or more navigation systems of any of claims 16 to 23.

26. Software which when executed by a computing apparatus causes the computing apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 15.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows;

Claims

1.A navigation system comprising a controller, the controller having an imaging 5 device configured to determine the direction in which a user of the navigation system is looking.

2.A navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is configured to determine the position of at least one of the eyes and the head of

10 the user.

3. A navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, the controller being configured to allow the user of the navigation system to select a first point and a second point on a map, wherein the controller is configured to determine the route between the first point and the second point based on the direction in which the user is looking.

4. A navigation system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation system comprises a network of controllers having at least a first controller and a second controller, the first and second controllers being configured to operatively connect to each other for the purpose of transferring data therebetween.

5. A navigation according to claim 4, wherein the first and second controllers are

25 configured to determine the relative positions of each other.

6. A navigation according to claim 5, wherein position of one of the first controller and the second controller defines a point of interest on a map, the other of the first controller and the second controller being configured to direct a user to the

30 point of interest.

7. A navigation system according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first controller is configured to determine a route based at least partially on the direction in which the user of the second controller is looking.

8. A navigation system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation system is a navigation system of a vehicle, the controller being configured to monitor the gaze direction of one or more occupants of the vehicle.

9. A navigation system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the

5 controller is configured to determine the emotional state of the individual using the navigation system by virtue of the imaging device.

10. A navigation system according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to recognise the facial response of the individual using the controller by virtue of

10 the imaging device.

11. A navigation system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the navigation system comprises one or more sensors configured to determine the physical state of the individual.

12. A navigation system according to any of claims 9 to 11, where in the controller is configured to compare the emotional state of the individual to the location of the individual.

13. A navigation system according to any of claims 9 to 12, where in the controller is configured to suggest to the individual using the controller one or more different routes when travelling between locations, based upon the determined emotional state of the individual.

25 14. A navigation method using a navigation system, the navigation system comprising a controller, the controller having an imaging device configured to determine the direction in which a user of the navigation system is looking, the method comprising:

determining the direction in which the user of the navigation system is looking.