TW201017112A

TW201017112A - A system and method for determining road attributes

Info

Publication number: TW201017112A
Application number: TW097141084A
Authority: TW
Inventors: Peter Mieth; Rene Beier; Ralf-Peter Schaefer
Original assignee: Tomtom Int Bv
Priority date: 2008-10-08
Filing date: 2008-10-24
Publication date: 2010-05-01
Also published as: WO2010040401A1

Abstract

A method of determining at least one attribute of a road (412), comprising selecting a region (410) of a road area, determining, for each of a plurality of road users, the value of at least one property relating to the passage of the road user through the selected region (410), determining, for the plurality of road users, a distribution of values of the at least one property, and determining at least one attribute of the road (412) in dependence upon the determined distribution.

Description

201017112 九、發明說明：【發明所屬之技術領域】本發明係關於道路屬性的決定。本發明亦係關於可（例如）由可攜式導航設備使用的地圖資料之決定。【先前技術】可攜式計算設備’例如’包括全球定位系統（GPS)信號接收及處理功能性之可攜式導航設備（PND)，係熟知的且廣泛用作車内或其他載運工具導航系統。201017112 IX. Description of the invention: [Technical field to which the invention pertains] The present invention relates to the determination of road attributes. The invention is also directed to the determination of map data that can be used, for example, by a portable navigation device. [Prior Art] Portable computing devices', such as portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality, are well known and widely used as in-vehicle or other vehicle navigation systems.

一般言之’現代PND包含處理器、記憶體（揮發性記憶艘及非揮發性記憶體中之至少一者，且通常兩者皆有）及儲存於該記憶體内之地圖資料。處理器與記憶體合作以提供執行環境，在此環境中可建立軟體作業系統，且另外，常常提供一或多個額外軟體程式以使PND之功能性能夠受控制’且提供各種其他功能》通常，此#設備進一#包含允許使用者與設備互動且控制該設備之-或多個輸人介面及—或多個輸出介面藉由該或該等輸出介面，可將資訊中繼傳遞至使用者。輸出介面之說明性實例包括視覺顯示器及用於聲訊輸出之揚聲器。輸入介面之說明性實例包括用來控制該設備之開/關操作或其他特徵之-或多個實體按紐（若設備經内建運工具内，則該等按鈕未必在該設備自身上，而是可在向盤上）及用於福測使用者話語之麥克風。在一特中’可將輸出介面顯示器組態為觸摸感應式顯示器疋二觸摸感應式覆蓋或其他）以另外提供—輸人介面藉由該 135345.doc 201017112 輸入介面，使用者可藉由觸摸來操作該設備。此類型之設備亦將常包括：一或多個實體連接器介面，藉由該或該等實體連接器介面，可將功率信號及視情況資料信號發射至該設備並自該設備接收電力及視情況資料信 • 號；及視情況，一或多個無線發射器/接收器，其允許在蜂巢式電彳S及其他信號及資料網路（例如，藍芽 ' (Bluetooth)Wl-Fi、Wi-Max GSM、UMTS及其類似網路）上的通信。 ❹ 此類型之PND亦包括一 GPS天線，藉由該ops天線，可接收包括位置資料之衛星廣播信號，且隨後處理該等信號以決定設備之當前位置。 PND亦可包括產生信號之電子回轉儀（gyr〇sc〇pe)及加速計，該等信號可經處理以決定當前角向及線性加速度並且又且結合自GPS信號導出之位置資訊來決定設備及因此安裝了該設備之載運工具的速度及相對位移。通常，此等 ❿ 肖徵最常見地係提供於載運工具内導航系統中，但亦可提供於PND中（若此舉係有利的）。此等聊之效用主要表現在其決定在第-位置（通常， ώ發或當前位置）與第二位置（通常’目的地）之間的路線之㉟力上。此等位置可由設備之使用者藉由廣泛的各種不同方法中之任一者來輸入，例如，藉由郵政編碼街道名及門牌號（h〇Use number)、先前儲存之"熟知·，目的地（諸如，著名位置、市政位置（諸如，趙育場或游泳池）或其他興趣點）及最愛目的地或近來去過之目的地。、 135345.doc 201017112 此類型之刚可安裝於載運4之㈣板或播風玻璃上，但亦可形成為載運工具無線電之機載電腦之部分或實際上形成為载運卫具自身之控制系統的部分。導航設備亦可為掌上型系統之部分，兮1 刀諸如，PDA(可攜式數位助理）、媒體播放器、行動電話或類似者，且在此等狀況下，掌上型系統之常規功能性藉由將軟體安裝於設備上以執行路線計算及沿著計算出之路線的導航而得以延伸。Generally speaking, a modern PND includes a processor, a memory (at least one of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and usually both) and map data stored in the memory. The processor cooperates with the memory to provide an execution environment in which the software operating system can be built and, in addition, one or more additional software programs are often provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled 'and provide various other functions'. , #设备进一# includes allowing the user to interact with the device and controlling the device - or a plurality of input interfaces and - or a plurality of output interfaces, by means of the output interface, relaying the information to the user . Illustrative examples of output interfaces include visual displays and speakers for audio output. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include - or multiple physical buttons used to control the on/off operation or other features of the device (if the device is built into the tool, the buttons are not necessarily on the device itself, and It is a microphone that can be used on the disc and used to measure the user's words. In one special feature, the output interface display can be configured as a touch-sensitive display, two touch-sensitive overlays or the like. In addition, the input interface can be input through the 135345.doc 201017112 input interface, and the user can touch Operate the device. Devices of this type will also include one or more physical connector interfaces through which power signals and conditional data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device. Situation information letter • number; and, as appropriate, one or more wireless transmitters/receivers that allow for cellular power and other signal and data networks (eg, Bluetooth (W), Wi-Fi, Wi -Max GSM, UMTS and similar networks) communication. ❹ This type of PND also includes a GPS antenna through which satellite broadcast signals including positional data can be received and subsequently processed to determine the current position of the device. The PND may also include an electronic gyroscope (gyr〇sc〇pe) that generates signals and an accelerometer that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration and in conjunction with positional information derived from the GPS signals to determine the device and Therefore, the speed and relative displacement of the carrier on which the device is installed. Usually, these ❿ 征最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最最The effectiveness of such chats is mainly manifested in the 35th of the route between the first position (usually, the burst or current position) and the second position (usually the 'destination'). Such locations may be entered by the user of the device by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example, by postal code street name and house number (h〇Use number), previously stored "well-known, purpose Land (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as Zhao Yuchang or swimming pool) or other points of interest) and favorite destinations or destinations that have recently been visited. , 135345.doc 201017112 This type can be installed on the (4) board or sowing glass of the carrier 4, but can also be formed as part of the onboard computer of the carrier radio or actually formed into the control system of the carrier itself. part. The navigation device can also be part of a palm-sized system, such as a PDA (portable digital assistant), a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and under these conditions, the conventional functionality of the handheld system is borrowed. It is extended by installing the software on the device to perform route calculations and navigation along the calculated route.

在石者计算出之路線之導航期間，此等PND常常提供視覺及/或聲訊&令’用以沿著選定之路線將使用者指引至彼路線之終點，亦即所要的目的地。以沿著—挑選之路線將使用者指引至彼路線之終點（亦即，所狀目的地）係有用的。PND亦常常在導航期間於榮幕上顯示地圖資訊，此資訊在螢幕上經定期更新，使得所顯示之地圖資訊表示設備的备前位置且因&表示使用|或使用者之載運工具的當前位置（若設備正用於載運工具内導航）。顯不於營幕上之圏示通常表示當前設備位置，且居中，其中亦正在顯示在當前設備位置附近的當前及周圍道路之地圖資訊及其他地圖特徵。另外，視情況，可於在所顯示之地圖資訊上方、下方或一侧之狀態欄中顯示導航資訊，導航資訊之實例包括自使用者需要選取的當前道路至下一偏離之距離、彼偏離之性質，此性質可由表明偏離之特定類型（例如，左轉彎或右轉彎）的進一步圖示表示。導航功能亦決定聲訊指令之内容、持續時間及時序，可藉由該等指令來沿著路線指引使用者。 135345.doc 201017112 雖然路線計算及導航功能對PND之總體效用很重要，但有可能將設備純粹用於資訊顯示或"自由駕駛"，其中僅顯不與當前設備位置相關之地圖資訊，且其中尚未計算出路線且設備當前不執行導航。此操作模式常可適用於當使用者已知行進所要沿著之路線且不需要導航輔助時。During the navigation of the route calculated by the stone, these PNDs often provide visual and/or audio &' commands to direct the user to the end of the route, i.e., the desired destination, along the selected route. It is useful to direct the user to the end of the route (i.e., the destination) along the route selected. PND also often displays map information on the screen during navigation. This information is regularly updated on the screen so that the displayed map information indicates the pre-preparation location of the device and is indicated by & use | or the current status of the user's carrier. Location (if the device is being used for navigation within the carrier). A display that does not appear on the screen usually indicates the current device location and is centered, and map information and other map features of the current and surrounding roads near the current device location are also being displayed. In addition, depending on the situation, the navigation information may be displayed in the status bar above, below or on one side of the displayed map information. Examples of the navigation information include the distance from the current road that the user needs to select to the next deviation, and the deviation from Nature, this property can be represented by a further graphical representation of the particular type of deviation (eg, a left turn or a right turn). The navigation function also determines the content, duration, and timing of the voice commands that can be used to guide the user along the route. 135345.doc 201017112 Although the route calculation and navigation functions are important for the overall utility of the PND, it is possible to use the device purely for information display or "free driving", where only map information related to the current device location is displayed, and The route has not been calculated and the device is not currently performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when the user is known to travel along the route and does not require navigation assistance.

上述類型的設備（例如，由TomTom International B.V.製造並供應之920T型）提供用於使使用者能夠自一位置導航至另一位置的可靠方式。當使用者不熟悉通向其所導航至之目的地的路線時，該等設備具有極大效用。可攜式導航設備之效用視該等設備所使用的地圖資料之可靠性及彼地圖資料所提供之細節而定。使用者可用的道路之位置可自該_資制得。㈣，㈣—道路或道路網的此種既存地圏資料常常提供有限量之資訊其通常為表示每-道路之中心線所沿著的路線之位置（或在主要道路之狀況下，每-行車道之中心線之位置）的線及表示道路會合處之位置的節點。為了獲得關於一特定道路之額外資訊’需要在沿著該道路進行的载運工具測試期間對該道路之路段之影像的手動檢驗或對該道路之路段的現場檢驗。'此，為了獲得關於即使單一道路的詳細屬性之資訊’可能需要大量努力及時間。【發明内容】樣，提供一種決定一選擇一道路範圍之一者決定與該道路使用道路之至少區域；為複者通過該選根據本發明之一第一態一屬性之方法，其包含：數個道路使用者中之每一 135345.doc 201017112 定區域有關的至少一性質之值；為該複數個道路使用者決定該至少一性質之值的一分布；及視該所決定的分布而決定該道路之至少一屬性。可由自一與該道路使用者相關聯之可攜式設備接收之資料為每一道路使用者獲得該至少一性質之該值。因此，可根據存在於一道路中或路過該道路的道路使用者來決定該道路之一屬性。可（例如）根據路過該道路的交通行為來決定道路之屬性，而非需要對該道路之專門的現場測量（s u r v e y )或對該道路之影像之詳細檢驗。該道路可包含可存在交通（詳言之載運工具交通）或使用者可路過的任何位置，且該道路可為經鋪設或未經鋪設的、公共的或私人的。道路不限於為自一處通往另一處之路線，且可包含（例如）死胡同或停車區。道路可為任何尺度且可為任何類型，例如，高速公路（fre_y、或motorway)、複式行車道（dual carriageway)、車道或住宅、市區或郊區道路。道路使用者可為任何類型之載運工具例如汽車、卡車、大客車、公共汽車’或者農用或工業載運X具，或腳踏車。道路使用者可為人。每-可攜式設備可為可攜式位置決定設備且/或可為具備GPS功能之設備。可機式設備可為相同或不同類型的，可為（例如）可攜式導航設備行動電話或Gps資料登錄設備(諸如’安裝於出租車或貨車中之登錄設備每一可攜絲備可與各職運卫具相關聯。舉例而言， 135345.doc 201017JJ2 每一可攜歧備在存在於選定區域中時可工具中。性質可包含可攜式設備自身在存在二別載運時的性質(例如，其位置或速度)且/或可包含安裝二中設備之栽運工具在通過選定區域期間的性質有可携式自：=Γ步包含:為該等可構式設備中之每-者或目該等可攜式設備中之畚一去拉χ 料。該資料可包含1二及的*Devices of the type described above (e.g., Model 920T manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B.V.) provide a reliable means of enabling a user to navigate from one location to another. These devices are extremely useful when the user is unfamiliar with the route to the destination to which they are navigating. The utility of portable navigation devices depends on the reliability of the map data used by such devices and the details provided by the map materials. The location of the route available to the user can be obtained from this resource. (iv), (iv) – such pre-existing information on roads or road networks often provides a limited amount of information, usually indicating the location of the route along the centre line of each road (or in the case of major roads, per-row) The line of the position of the center line of the lane and the node indicating the location where the road meets. In order to obtain additional information about a particular road, a manual inspection of the image of the road section or an on-site inspection of the road section of the road during the vehicle test along the road is required. 'This, in order to obtain information about the detailed attributes of even a single road' may require a lot of effort and time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for determining at least one of a road range is determined to determine at least one area of the road to be used with the road; and the method for selecting a first state according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: Each of the road users 135345.doc 201017112 a value of at least one property associated with the zone; a distribution of values of the at least one property for the plurality of road users; and determining the distribution based on the determined distribution At least one attribute of the road. The value of the at least one property may be obtained for each road user by information received from a portable device associated with the road user. Therefore, one of the attributes of the road can be determined based on the road user who is present in or passing through the road. The nature of the road may be determined, for example, based on the traffic passing through the road, rather than requiring a dedicated field measurement of the road (s u r v e y ) or a detailed inspection of the image of the road. The road may include any location where traffic may exist (detailed vehicle traffic) or where the user may pass, and the road may be laid or unpaved, public or private. A road is not limited to a route from one place to another, and may include, for example, a dead end or a parking area. The road can be of any size and can be of any type, for example, a highway (fre_y, or motorway), a dual carriageway, a driveway or home, an urban or suburban road. Road users can carry X-type vehicles, or bicycles, for any type of vehicle such as a car, truck, bus, bus, or agricultural or industrial vehicle. Road users can be human. The per-portable device can be a portable location determining device and/or can be a GPS capable device. The portable devices may be of the same or different types, and may be, for example, a portable navigation device mobile phone or a Gps data logging device (such as 'a portable device installed in a taxi or a truck. For example, 135345.doc 201017JJ2 Each portable ambiguity can be in the tool when it exists in the selected area. The nature can include the nature of the portable device itself in the presence of the second shipment ( For example, its position or speed) and/or the nature of the planting tool that may include the equipment installed in the selected area during the passage of the selected area is portable: = 包含 step includes: for each of the configurable devices Or to pick up the materials in the portable devices. The information may include 1 and 2

定期：/ 為GPS系統之普通操作之部分而疋期登錄之GPS資料。可在一時間週期(例如週㈣中接收資料。可為在-或該預定量測週期之分=通過該選定區域或存在於該選定區域中的可攜式設備決疋分布。或者’該分布可表示特定時刻之快照。道路之該區域可包含道路之橫截面。該分布可包含作為該區域内之位置之函數及/或作為時 =之函數的分布。該分布可為在—選定時間間隔内的歷史布該分布可係作為在大逋上與道路上之行進方向垂直的方向中之距離之函數的分布。該分布可係作為該區域中之距離或位置之函數的道路使用者之數目的分布且/或可係作為該區域中之分布或位置之函數的每一道路使用者之一性質（例如’速度）之值的分布。該方法可包含決定與該等道路使用者之通過有關的複數個性質之分布。舉例而言，可決定速度分布及位置分布兩者°可彼此獨立地決定每一分布。該方法可包含根據該等刀布中之一或多者而決定該道路的複數個屬性。可彼此獨 135345.doc 201017112 立地決定該等道路屬性。該至少一性質可包含位置。該分布可包含道路使用者在該選定區域中之位置的分布。通常以比該道路之該區域之大小大的解析度來決定可攜 • 式設備之位置，且位置資料可用以提供載運工具在該道路之該區域上的空間分布。該分布又可用以決定該道路之至 ·- 少一屬性，該至少一屬性決定載運工具在路過該道路時的位置。 m 該至少一性質可包含道路使用者在存在於該選定區域中時的速度，且該分布可包含該選定區域中之速度的一分布。速度資料可表示每一道路使用者在存在於該道路之該區域中時行進所用的平均速度。該至少一性質可包含除了位置或速度之外或代替位置或速度的至少一另外的性質。該至少一性質可與一可揭式設備自身相關、與一安裝有該可攜式設備之載運工具相關，或與關聯於其他載運工具的 ❿ 彼載運工具之行為相關，且/或與該可攜式設備或載運工具所經歷之一環境條件相關。舉例而言，該性質可為一安裝有可攜式5又備之載運工具在存在於該道路之該區域中肖與其他載運工具的間距。該至少一性質可包含一關於該 • 可攜式設備之操作的操作參數，或一關於一安裝有續可播式設備之載運工具之操作的操作參數。該性質亦表示交通或天氣條件之交通或天氣參數。τ結合位置及/ 或速度性質來處理各種類型之性質，或可獨立地處理各種性質。另外的資料可用以預選擇用於決定該分布的速度或 135345.doc -12- 201017112 置資料。因此，舉例而言，若操作資料指示汽車已損壞或PND出了故障，則可將彼汽車或PND之位置或速度資料自該刀布決定排除。或者，該分布之決定可包含決定除了位置及/或速度之外或代替位置及/或速度的另外資料之分布。該道路之該至少一屬性可包含該道路之布局之至少一態樣。該道路之布局之該至少一態樣包含車道之數目、一中心線之位置、-或多個車道之寬度及—會合處或與一或多個車道之分又的存在中之至少一者…會合處或其他分叉可包含（例如）一入口或出口車道或岔道。該方法可進一步包含決定該區域内的道路使用者之複數個子分布，且每一子分布較佳對應於該道路之一車道。該方法可進一步包含視該分布之或一子分布之平均數而決定一中心線之位置。另外或其他’該方法可包含根據該分布之或一子分布之變量來決定該道路之寬度。決定該分布可包含將每一道路使用者指派至該道路之該區域的一各別子區域（sub_regi〇n)。可視指派至每一子區域的道路使用者之數目及/或每一子區域之該或一性質的平均值而執行該分布之決定。該方法可進一步包含：使該分布擬合於至少一函數，及視該經擬合的至少一函數而決定該道路之該至少一屬性。該至少一函數可包含至少一高斯（Gaussian)函數。該擬人可包含一最小平方擬合程序，其較佳為雷文博袼馬誇特 (Levenberg-Marquardt)擬合程序。該方法可包含為每一車 135345.doc -13- 201017112 道提供一單獨函數。可視不同數目個函數中之每一者所提供的擬合之品質之比較而決定車道之數目。該方法可進一步包含：對於該道路範圍的複數個區域中之每一者’為該複數個道路使用者決定與該道路使用者通過該區域有關的至少一性質之值，及為該複數個道路使用者決定該至少一性質之值的一分布；及比較該道路之該複數個區域之該等分布的差異以決定該道路之至少一屬性。該道路之該至少一屬性可包含一分叉之位置。該方法可進一步包含視可攜式位置決定設備之分布相對於該道路之該等區域中之至少一者的加寬而決定該分叉之位置。該方法可進一步包含：比較該道路之該所決定的至少一屬性與表示該道路之地圖資料，及視該比較而修改該地圖資料。該方法可進一步包含視表示該道路之地圖資料而選擇該道路範圍之該區域。選擇該道路之該區域可包含選擇一覆蓋該道路或與該道路重疊之區或該道路之預期位置。在本發明之另一獨立態樣中’提供一種將一交通網予以緣圖之方法’纟包含：接收表示-交通網之地圓資料；選擇該交通網之至少—區域；使用如本文中所主張或描述之方法來決疋該交通網之該至少一區域的至少一屬性；及處理該地圖資料以併人表示該交通網之該至少—區域的該所决定的至少—屬性之資料。該至少—區域可包含—道路或一道路之一區域。在本發明之另—獨立態樣中，提供-種將-區予以繪圓 135345.doc 201017112 其包含:一接收器’其經組態以接收表示與之通過有關的至少一性質之資料；及一處理广組態从：選擇該區之一區域’處理該資料以便為㈣可攜式設備決^與該道路使料料㈣定區域有關丄“至夕性質之值，為該複數個道路使用者決定該至少的分布，且視該所決定的分布而決定該選定區域之至少一屬性。Regular: / GPS data for late registration for the normal operation of the GPS system. The data may be received during a time period (eg, week (four).) may be at - or the predetermined measurement period = distribution through the selected area or portable devices present in the selected area. or 'the distribution A snapshot of a particular time may be represented. The area of the road may include a cross section of the road. The distribution may include a distribution as a function of the location within the area and/or as a function of time =. The distribution may be at - selected time interval The distribution within the history can be distributed as a function of the distance in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel on the road. The distribution can be the number of road users as a function of distance or position in the area. Distribution and/or may be a distribution of values of one of the characteristics (e.g., 'speed) of each road user as a function of distribution or location in the area. The method may include determining the passage of the road users a distribution of a plurality of properties. For example, both the velocity distribution and the position distribution may be determined. Each of the distributions may be determined independently of each other. The method may include One or more of the plurality of attributes of the road are determined. The road attributes may be determined independently of each other. The at least one property may include a location. The distribution may include road users in the selected area. The distribution of locations. The location of the portable device is typically determined by a resolution greater than the size of the area of the road, and the location data can be used to provide a spatial distribution of the vehicle over the area of the road. The at least one attribute may be used to determine the position of the road when the road passes by the road. m The at least one property may include the speed of the road user when present in the selected area, and The distribution may include a distribution of speeds in the selected area. The velocity data may represent an average speed used by each road user to travel in the area of the road. The at least one property may include in addition to position or speed. At least one additional property in addition to or in place of the position or speed. The at least one property may be associated with a releasable device itself, with an The carrier carrying the portable device is associated with, or associated with, the behavior of the carrier associated with the other carrier and/or with one of the environmental conditions experienced by the portable device or the carrier. In other words, the nature of the carrier may be a distance between the carrier and the other carrier in the area where the portable device is installed. The at least one property may include a portable device. Operational parameters of operation, or operational parameters relating to the operation of a carrier equipped with a continuous playable device. This property also represents traffic or weather parameters for traffic or weather conditions. τ combines position and/or velocity properties to handle various The nature of the type, or the various properties can be handled independently. Additional information can be used to pre-select the speed used to determine the distribution or 135345.doc -12- 201017112. Thus, for example, if the operational data indicates that the vehicle has been damaged or the PND has failed, the location or speed data of the vehicle or PND may be excluded from the decision. Alternatively, the decision of the distribution may include the determination of additional information in addition to or in lieu of location and/or speed. The at least one attribute of the road may include at least one aspect of the layout of the road. The at least one aspect of the layout of the road includes at least one of a number of lanes, a location of a centerline, or a width of a plurality of lanes, and at least one of a meeting or a presence of one or more lanes... A meeting place or other fork may include, for example, an entrance or exit lane or ramp. The method can further include determining a plurality of sub-distributions of road users within the area, and each sub-distribution preferably corresponds to one of the lanes of the road. The method can further include determining a position of a centerline based on an average of the distribution or a sub-distribution. Additionally or alternatively, the method can include determining the width of the road based on a variable of the distribution or a sub-distribution. Determining the distribution may include assigning each road user to a respective sub-area (sub_regi〇n) of the area of the road. The decision of the distribution is performed by visually assigning the number of road users to each sub-area and/or the average of the one or each property of each sub-area. The method can further include fitting the distribution to at least one function, and determining the at least one attribute of the road based on the fitted at least one function. The at least one function may comprise at least one Gaussian function. The personification may include a least squares fitting procedure, preferably a Levenberg-Marquardt fitting procedure. The method can include providing a separate function for each car 135345.doc -13 - 201017112. The number of lanes is determined by comparing the quality of the fit provided by each of a different number of functions. The method can further include: determining, for each of the plurality of regions of the road range, a value of at least one property associated with the road user through the region for the plurality of road users, and for the plurality of roads The user determines a distribution of the values of the at least one property; and compares the differences in the distributions of the plurality of regions of the road to determine at least one attribute of the road. The at least one attribute of the road may include a bifurcated position. The method can further include determining a location of the bifurcation based on a widening of a distribution of the portable position determining device relative to at least one of the regions of the road. The method can further include comparing the at least one attribute determined by the road with map data representing the road, and modifying the map material based on the comparison. The method can further include selecting the area of the road range based on the map material representing the road. Selecting the area of the road may include selecting an area that covers or overlaps the road or an expected location of the road. In another independent aspect of the present invention, 'providing a method for assigning a traffic network to a map' includes: receiving a representation of the ground data of the transportation network; selecting at least a region of the transportation network; using as herein The method of claiming or describing to determine at least one attribute of the at least one region of the transportation network; and processing the map material to represent the at least one attribute of the at least-region of the transportation network. The at least - region may comprise - a road or an area of a road. In another independent aspect of the invention, there is provided a region-drawn circle 135345.doc 201017112 comprising: a receiver configured to receive information indicative of at least one property associated therewith; A process wide configuration from: select one of the areas of the area to 'process the data for the (4) portable device to be related to the road to make the material (4) fixed area "the value of the nature of the evening, for the use of the multiple roads The at least one distribution is determined, and at least one attribute of the selected area is determined depending on the determined distribution.

該系統可進—步包含1於儲存地圖資料之儲存構件，且該處理器可經組態以處理該地圖資料從而併人該所決定的至少一屬性。在本發明之另一獨立態樣中，提供一種可揭式導航設備，其包含··一位置決定設備，其用於決定該可攜式導航設備之位置；-處理資源’其經組態以：接收表示使用如本文中所主張或描述之方法而決定的一道路之至少一屬性之資料’且在該所決定的位置處提供表示該至少一屬性輸出。在本發明之一另外的獨立態樣中，提供一種電腦程式產品，其包含可執行以將本文中所主張或描述之方法付諸實施的電腦可讀指令。本發明之-態樣中的任何特徵可以任何適當組合應用於本發明之其他態樣。詳言之，裝置特徵可應用於方法特徵’且方法特徵可應用於裝置特徵。【實施方式】現將參看附圖僅舉例而錢述本發明之至少一實施例。 135345.doc -15- 201017112 在以下描述中’相同參考數字將始終用以識別類似部分。現將特疋參考PND來描述本發明之實施例。然而，應記住，本發明之教示不限於PND，而是實情為可普遍應用於任何類型之處理設備。在本申請案之内容中，導航設備意指包括（而不限於）任何類型之路線規劃及導航設備，無論該設備是否體現為PND、諸如汽車之載運工具，亦或是實際上體現為可攜式計算資源（例如，執行路線規劃及導航軟體之可揭式個人電腦（PC)、行動電話或個人數位助理 (PDA))。自下文亦將顯而易見’本發明之教示所適用之情形不在於使用者尋求對於如何自一點導航至另一點的指示，而是適用於使用者僅希望獲得給定位置之視圖的情形。在此等情形下，使用者所選擇之••目的地"位置不必具有使用者希望自其開始導航的相應出發位置，且因此，本文中所指之 "目的地”位置或實際上對"目的地"視圖的參考不應被解釋為意謂著路線之產生係必需的、行進至"目的地，，必須發生’或實際上有目的地時需要指定其相應出發位置。在以上附帶條件下，圖1之全球定位系統（Gps)及其類似物應用於各種用途。一般而言，GPS為基於衛星·無線電之導航系統，其能夠為無限個使用者決定連續的位置、速度、時間及（在一些狀況下）方向資訊。先前稱為navstar 之GPS併入有在極精確的軌道中繞地球運轉之複數個衛星。基於此等精確軌道，GPS衛星可將其位置中繼傳遞至 135345.doc 16 201017112 任何數目個接收單元》The system can further include a storage component for storing map data, and the processor can be configured to process the map material to determine at least one attribute determined by the person. In another independent aspect of the present invention, a retractable navigation device is provided, comprising: a location determining device for determining a location of the portable navigation device; a processing resource 'which is configured to : receiving data indicative of at least one attribute of a road determined using a method as claimed or described herein and providing a representation of the at least one attribute output at the determined location. In an additional independent aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer readable instructions executable to implement the methods claimed or described herein. Any feature of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, device features can be applied to method features' and method features can be applied to device features. [Embodiment] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 135345.doc -15- 201017112 In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to identify similar parts. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to PNDs. However, it should be remembered that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs, but rather are generally applicable to any type of processing equipment. In the context of the present application, a navigation device is meant to include, without limitation, any type of route planning and navigation device, whether or not the device is embodied as a PND, such as a vehicle carrying vehicle, or is actually embodied as a portable device. Computing resources (for example, a removable personal computer (PC), mobile phone, or personal digital assistant (PDA) that performs route planning and navigation software). It will also be apparent from the following that the teachings of the present invention are not applicable to the user seeking an indication of how to navigate from one point to another, but to situations where the user only wishes to obtain a view of a given location. In such cases, the ••destination" location selected by the user does not have to have the corresponding departure location from which the user wishes to navigate, and therefore, the "destination" location referred to herein is actually The reference to the "destination" view should not be interpreted as meaning that the route is required to travel to the destination, must occur, or actually specify its corresponding departure location when it is purposeful. With the above conditions, the Global Positioning System (Gps) and its analogues of Figure 1 are used for various purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite-based radio-based navigation system that can determine continuous position and speed for an unlimited number of users. , time and (in some cases) direction information. The GPS, formerly known as navstar, incorporates a number of satellites orbiting the Earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their positions. To 135345.doc 16 201017112 any number of receiving units"

當經專門裝備以接收GPS資料 • 只竹< 0又侑開始掃描用於GPS 衛星信號之射頻時，即為實施GPS系統。在自一Gps衛星接收到一無線電信號後，該設備經由複數個不同習知方法 +之-者來決定該衛星之精確位置。在多數情況下，該設備將繼續對信號掃描’直至其已獲得至少三個不同的衛星信號（注意，可使用其他三角量測技術藉由僅兩個信號來決定位置，雖然這並非常例）。實施幾何三角量測後;接收器利用三個已知之位置決定其自身相對於衛星之二維位置。可以已知方式進行此決定。另外，獲得第四衛星信號可讓接收設備藉由同一幾何計算以已知方式計算其三維位置。位置及速度資料可由無限個使用者連續地即時更新。如圖1中所示’ GPS系統100包含繞地球運轉的複數個衛星102。GPS接收器106自該複數個衛星1〇2中的許多個衛星接收展頻GPS衛星資料信號1〇8。展頻資料信號1〇8 • 係自每一衛星102連續地發射，所發射的展頻資料信號1〇8 各自包含一識別一特定衛星102的資料流，該資料流來源於該特定衛星102。GPS接收器106通常需要來自至少三個 '衛星102之展頻資料信號108，以便能夠計算二維位置。對第四展頻資料信號之接收使GPS接收器1〇6能夠使用已知技術來計算三維位置。轉而參看圖2，包含GPS接收器設備106或柄接至GPS接收器設備1 06之導航設備200能夠經由行動設備（未圖示）（例如，行動電話、PDA及/或具有行動電話技術之任何設備） 135345.doc • 17· 201017112 建立與"行動"或電信網路之網路硬體之資料會話（若需要）’以便建立數位連接（例如，經由已知藍芽技術之數位連接）。其後，行動設備可經由其網路服務提供者來建立與伺服器150之網路連接（例如，經由網際網路）。因而，在；導航設備，當其獨自及/或在載運卫具中行進時，其可為且時常為行動的）與伺服器150之間建立"行動"網路連接’，，' 從而為資訊提供"即時”或至少很，，新的，，閘道。彳使用（例如）網際網路以已知方式進行在行動設備（經由服務提供者）與諸如伺服器15〇之另一設備之間的網路連接之建立。就此而言，可使用任何數目個適定，例如，Τ_分層協定。此外，行動設備可利用2 數目個通信標準，諸如CDMA2000、GSM、IEEE 8〇2 u a/b/c/g/n 等。因此可見’可利用網際網路連接，網際網路連接可（例如）經由資料連接、經由行動電話或導航設備2〇〇内之行動 g 電話技術來達成。雖然未展示，但導航設備200當然可在導航設備2〇〇本身内包括其自身的行動電話技術（例如包括天線或視情況使用導航設備200之内部天線導航設備2〇〇内之行動電 :言舌技術可包括内部組件’且/或可包括一可***卡(例如，用戶身份模組（SIM)卡）’該可***卡配有（例如）必要的行動電話技術及/或天線。因而，導航設備2〇〇内之行動電話技術可類似地經由（例如）網際網路來建立導航設備2〇〇與伺服器15〇之間的網路連接，其建立方式類似於任何行動設 135345.doc 201017112 備之方式。對於電話設定，具備藍芽功能之導航㈣可用以與行動電話模型、製造商等之不斷變化的頻譜一起正確地工作，舉例而言，模型/製造商特定設定可儲存於導航設備2〇〇上。可更新為此資訊而儲存之資料。在圖2中，將導航設備200描繪為經由一般通信頻道152 與伺服器150通信’通信頻道152可藉由許多不同配置中之任一者來實施。通信頻道152一般表示連接導航設備2〇〇與伺服器150之傳播媒體或路徑。當在伺服器15〇與導航設備 200之間建立了經由通信頻道丨52之連接（注意，此連接可為經由行動設備之資料連接、經由個人電腦經由網際網路之直接連接等）時’伺服器150與導航設備200可通信。通信頻道152不限於特定通信技術。另外，通信頻道ι52 不限於單一通信技術；亦即，頻道152可包括使用各種技術之若干通信鏈路。舉例而言，通信頻道152可經調適以提供用於電通信、光通信及/或電磁通信等之路徑。因而’通信頻道152包括（但不限於）下列各者中之一者或其組合：電路、諸如電線及同軸電纜之電導體、光纖電纜、轉換器、射頻（RF)波、大氣、空白空間（free space)等。此外’通信頻道152可包括中間設備，諸如，路由器、轉發器、緩衝器、發射器及接收器。在一說明性配置中，通信頻道152包括電話網路及電腦網路。此外，通信頻道152可能夠容納無線通信，例如，紅外通信、射頻通信（諸如，微波頻率通信）等。另外，通 135345.doc 19·When specially equipped to receive GPS data • Only when the bamboo < 0 starts to scan the radio frequency for GPS satellite signals, the GPS system is implemented. After receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the exact location of the satellite via a plurality of different conventional methods. In most cases, the device will continue to scan the signal until it has obtained at least three different satellite signals (note that other triangulation techniques can be used to determine position by only two signals, although this is a very rare example) . After the geometric triangulation is performed; the receiver uses its three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellite. This decision can be made in a known manner. In addition, obtaining the fourth satellite signal allows the receiving device to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. Location and speed data can be continuously updated in real time by an unlimited number of users. As shown in Figure 1, the GPS system 100 includes a plurality of satellites 102 that orbit the earth. The GPS receiver 106 receives the spread spectrum GPS satellite data signal 1〇8 from a plurality of satellites of the plurality of satellites 1〇2. The spread spectrum data signals 1〇8 are continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, and the transmitted spread spectrum data signals 1〇8 each contain a data stream identifying a particular satellite 102, the data stream originating from the particular satellite 102. The GPS receiver 106 typically requires spread spectrum data signals 108 from at least three 'satellites 102' to enable calculation of two-dimensional positions. The receipt of the fourth spread spectrum data signal enables the GPS receiver 1 6 to calculate the three dimensional position using known techniques. Referring now to Figure 2, the navigation device 200 including the GPS receiver device 106 or the handle to the GPS receiver device 106 can be via a mobile device (not shown) (e.g., a mobile phone, PDA, and/or with mobile phone technology) Any device) 135345.doc • 17· 201017112 Establish a data session with the "action" or telecommunication network hardware (if needed) to establish a digital connection (for example, digital connections via known Bluetooth technology) ). Thereafter, the mobile device can establish a network connection with the server 150 via its network service provider (e.g., via the Internet). Thus, in the navigation device, when it is traveling alone and/or in the carrier, it can be and often acts) to establish an "action" network connection with the server 150, Providing "instant" or at least very, new, gateways for information. 彳 using, for example, the Internet in a known manner in a mobile device (via a service provider) and another such as server 15 The establishment of a network connection between devices. In this regard, any number of well-defined, for example, 分层-layered protocols can be used. In addition, mobile devices can utilize 2 numbers of communication standards, such as CDMA2000, GSM, IEEE 8〇 2 ua/b/c/g/n, etc. It can be seen that 'internet connection is available, and the internet connection can be made, for example, via data connection, via mobile phone or navigation device 2 mobile phone technology. Although not shown, the navigation device 200 may of course include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 itself (eg, including an antenna or an internal antenna navigation device 2 of the navigation device 200 as appropriate) Mobile: The internal technology may include an internal component 'and/or may include an insertable card (eg, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card)' that is equipped with, for example, the necessary mobile phone technology and/or Antennas. Thus, the mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 2 and the server 15 via, for example, the Internet, in a manner similar to any action. For 135345.doc 201017112. For phone settings, Bluetooth-enabled navigation (4) can be used to work correctly with the changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., for example, model/manufacturer specific settings It can be stored on the navigation device 2. The data stored for this information can be updated. In Figure 2, the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 150 via the general communication channel 152. The communication channel 152 can be varied by many different Any of the configurations are implemented. The communication channel 152 generally represents a propagation medium or path connecting the navigation device 2 to the server 150. When navigating and navigating at the server 15 The connection between the devices 200 via the communication channel 52 (note that the connection can be a data connection via a mobile device, a direct connection via a personal computer via the Internet, etc.) can be communicated with the navigation device 200. Communication channel 152 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, communication channel ι 52 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, channel 152 may include several communication links using various techniques. For example, communication channel 152 may be adapted for use. The path of electrical communication, optical communication, and/or electromagnetic communication, etc. Thus the 'communication channel 152 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables , converter, radio frequency (RF) wave, atmosphere, free space, etc. The 'communication channel 152 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers. In an illustrative configuration, communication channel 152 includes a telephone network and a computer network. Moreover, communication channel 152 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication, such as infrared communication, radio frequency communication (such as microwave frequency communication), and the like. In addition, through 135345.doc 19·

201017112 信頻道152可容納衛星通信。經由通信頻道152所發射之通信信號包括（但不限於）對於給定之通信技術可能為需要或所要之信號。舉例而言，該等信號可適合用於蜂巢式通信技術中，蜂巢式通信1術諸如，分時多重存取（TDMA)、分頻多重存取（FDMA)、分碼多重存取（CDMA)、全球行動通信系統（GSM)等。可經由通信頻道152發射數位及類別信號兩者。此等信號可為對於通信技術可能為所要的經調變、經加密及/或經壓縮之信號。伺服器1 5 0包括（除了可能未說明之其他組件之外）一處理器154，該處理器154操作性地連接至記憶體i 56且經由有線或無線連接158而進一步操作性地連接至大量資料儲存设備160。大量儲存設備160含有導航資料及地圖資訊之儲存，且可同樣為與伺服器150分離之設備，或者可併入於伺服器150中。處理器154進一步操作性地連接至發射器 162及接收器164，以經由通信頻道152將資訊發射至導航設備200並自導航設備200接收資訊》所發送及接收之信號可包括資料、通信及/或其他傳播信號。可根據對於導航設備200之通信設計中所使用之通信要求及通信技術來選擇或設计發射器162及接收器164。此外，應注意，可將發射器162及接收器164之功能組合為單一收發器。如上文所提及，導航設備2〇〇可經配置以經由通信頻道 152與飼服器150通信，其使用發射器166及接收器ι68來經由通信頻道152發送並接收信號及/或資料，注意，此等設 I35345.doc •20· 201017112 備可進一步用以與除了伺服器150之外的設備通信。此外，如上文關於圖2所描述，根據對於導航設備200之通信設計中所使用之通信要求及通信技術來選擇或設計發射器 166及接收器168，且可將發射器166及接收器168之功能組合為單一收發器。當然，導航設備200可包含其他硬體及/ 或功能部分，稍後將在本文中對其進行更詳細描述。儲存於伺服器記憶體156中之軟體為處理器154提供指令且允許伺服器150將服務提供給導航設備200 ^由伺服器 150提供之一服務包括處理來自導航設備200之請求及將導航資料自大量資料儲存器160發射至導航設備200。可由伺服器150提供之另一服務包括對於所要應用使用各種演算法來處理導航資料及將此等計算之結果發送至導航設備 200 〇伺服器150構成可由導航設備200經由無線頻道存取之遠端資料源。伺服器150可包括位於區域網路（LAN)、廣域網路（WAN)、虛擬私用網路（VPN)等上之網路伺服器。伺服器150可包括諸如桌上型或膝上型電腦之個人電腦’且通信頻道152可為連接在個人電腦與導航設備2〇〇之間的電纜。或者’可將個人電腦連接在導航設備2〇〇與伺服器150之間’以在伺服器150與導航設備2〇0之間建立網際網路連接。可經由資訊下載為導航設備200提供來自伺服器150之資訊’自動地或在使用者將導航設備2〇〇連接至伺服器15〇後’可週期性地更新資訊下載，且/或在經由（例如）無線行 135345.doc 21 201017112 動連接設備及TC魔連接而在伺服器15〇與導航設備2〇〇之間進行更怪定或頻繁之連接後，資訊下Μ更為㈣1 於許多動態計算，舰器15〇中之處理器154可用以處置大量的處理需要，然而，導航設備200之處理器（圖2中未展示）亦可時常獨立於至伺服器150之連接而處置許多處理及計算。參看圖3，應注意，導航設備200之方塊圖不包括導航設備之所有組件，而是僅代表許多實例組件。導航設備2〇〇 ® 位於一外殼（未圖示）内。導航設備2〇〇包括一包含（例如）上文所提及之處理器202之處理資源，處理器202耦接至一輸入設備204及一顯示設備（例如，顯示幕2〇6)。雖然此處參考單數形式的輸入設備204 ’但熟習此項技術者應瞭解，輸入設備204表示任何數目個輸入設備，其包括鍵盤設備、語音輸入設備、觸控面板及/或用以輸入資訊之任何其他已知輸入設備。同樣地，顯示幕206可包括任何類型 _ 之顯示幕，諸如，液晶顯示器（LCD)。在一配置中，整合輸入設備204之一態樣（觸控面板）及顯示幕206以便提供一整合式輸入及顯示設備，該整合式輸入及顯示設備包括一觸控墊或觸控螢幕輸入端250(圖 4)，以實現經由觸控面板螢幕之資訊輸入（經由直接輸入、選單選擇等）及資訊顯示兩者，以使得使用者僅需觸摸顯示幕206之一部分便可選擇複數個顯示備選項中之一者或者啟動複數個虛擬或"軟"按鈕中之一者。就此而言，處理器202支援結合觸控螢幕而操作之圖形使用者介面（GUI)。 135345.doc •22- 201017112 在導航設備200中，處理器202經由連接210而操作性地連接至輸入設備204且能夠經由連接210自輸入設備204接收輸入資訊，且經由各別輸出連接212而操作性地連接至顯示幕206及輸出設備208中之至少一者以向其輸出資訊。導航設備200可包括輸出設備208，例如，聲訊輸出設備 (例如’揚聲器）。由於輸出設備208可為導航設備2〇〇之使用者產生聲訊資訊’故應同樣理解，輸入設備2〇4可包括麥克風及軟體以用於亦接收輸入語音命令。此外，導航設備200亦可包括任何額外之輸入設備2〇4及/或任何額外之輸出設備’諸如，音訊輸入/輸出設備。處理器202經由連接216而操作性地連接至記憶體214 , 且經進一步調適以經由連接220自輸入/輸出（〗/〇)埠218接收資訊/將資訊發送至輸入/輸出（1/0)埠218，其中1/〇埠218 "T連接至在導航設備200外部的I/O設備222。外部I/O設備 222可包括（但不限於）外部收聽設備，諸如，聽筒。至1/〇设備222之連接可另外為至任何其他外部設備（諸如汽車立體聲單元）之有線或無線連接，例如用於不用手之操作及/ 或用於語音啟動式操作、用於至聽筒或頭戴式耳機之連接及/或用於至（例如）行動電話之連接，其中行㈣話連接可用以在導航設備200與（例如）網際網路或任一其他網路之間建立資料連接，及/或用以經由（例如）網際網路或—些其他網路建立至伺服器之連接。圓3進一步說明.經由連接226在處理器2〇2與天線/接收器 224之間的操作性連接，其中天線/接收器“A可為⑼ 135345.doc -23- 201017112 如）GPS天線/接收器。應理解，為了說明而示意性地組合由參考數字224表示之天線與接收器，但天線及接收器可為分開定位的組件，且天線可為（例如）Gps片狀天線或螺旋天線》田然，一般熟習此項技術者將理解，圖3中所展示之電子組件係以習知方式由一或多個電源（未圖示）供電。如一般熟習此項技術者將理解，想到了圖3中所展示之組件之不同組態。舉例而言，圖3中所展示之組件可經由有線及/ 或無線連接及其類似者而相互通信。因此，本文中所描述之導航设備200可為可攜式或掌上型導航設備2〇〇。另外，圖3之可攜式或掌上型導航設備2〇〇可以已知方式連接至或"銜接至"諸如腳踏車、機器腳踏車、汽車或船之載運工具。接著可為了可攜式或掌上型導航用途自銜接位置移除此導航設備200。參看圖4，導航設備200可為包括整合式輸入及顯示設備 206及圖2之其他組件（包括但不限於内部gps接收器224、微處理器202、電源（未圖示）、記憶體系統214等）之單元。導航設備200可位於臂252上，可使用吸盤254將臂252本身緊固至載運工具儀錶板/窗/等。此臂252為一銜接台之一實例，導航設備200可銜接至該銜接台。導航設備2〇〇可銜接或藉由搭扣以其他方式連接至銜接台之臂252，該搭扣 (例如）將導航設備200連接至臂252。導航設備200可接著在臂252上可旋轉。為了釋放導航設備2〇〇與銜接台之間的連接’可（例如）按壓導航設備200上之按鈕（未圖示）。用於將 135345.doc -24- 201017112 導航設備200耦接至銜接台及將導航設備2〇〇與銜接台去耦之其他同樣適宜之配置係一般熟習此項技術者所熟知的。轉而參看圖5，處理器202與記憶體214合作以支援 BIOS(基本輸入/輸出系統μ82，該BI〇s 282充當導航設備 200之功能硬體組件280與由該設備執行之軟體之間的介面。處理器202接著自記憶體214載入一作業系統284，且該作業系統提供一應用程式軟體286(其實施上述路線規劃、導航及其他功能性中之一些或全部）可運作之環境。應用程式軟體286提供一作業環境，該作業環境包括支援導航設備之核心功能（例如，地圖檢視、路線規劃、導航功能及與此相關聯之任何其他功能）的GUb就此而言，應用程式軟體286之部分包含一視圖產生模組288。如上文所提及，導航設備2〇〇使用地圖資料將導航設備 200在地圖上的位置顯示於顯示設備2〇6上，且更新該地圖上的所顯示位置以反映導航設備2〇〇之移動。該地圖資料亦用於規劃及顯示路線。使用者可用的道路之位置可自卩電子形式冑當儲存為地圖資料之既存地圖獲得。然而，該既存地圖資料常常僅提供關於特定道路之屬性的有限資訊（即便有）。在圖6中說m其使用表示與道路使用者在通過一道路之一選定區域時之通過有關的性質之值的資料來獲得關於-道路之屬性的詳細資訊。詳言之，該系統能夠提供普通地圖t料未提供之資m，諸#車道之寬度及數目、分又之開始及使用者沿該等分又而行的最適當時刻， 135345.doc •25- 201017112 及較高及較低速度車道之存在。若有必要，該資訊亦可用來校正現有地圖資料。可摘式導航設傷又可使用該資訊來提供更準確的資訊或指令給使用者，諸如，將最適當的車道報告給使用者，將轉向的最佳時刻報告給使用者，及準確地顯示使用者載運工具在該道路上的位置。該系統包含與複數個導航設備通信且鏈接至一儲存地圖資料之資料儲存器400的伺服器150 ^為了清楚起見，僅展示五個導航設備200a至200e，但將理解，實務上，數千個或更多導航設備可與伺服器15〇通信。伺服器丨5〇包括：一繪圖模組402，其用於自資料儲存器4〇〇讀取地圖資料且處理該地圖資料；及一位置資料處理模組4〇4，其用於處理自導航設備200a至200e接收之位置資料。在導航設備200a至200e之正常操作過程中，定期（對於當前系統通常為每5秒）將來自該等設備之gpS資料記錄於一登錄設備上，該登錄設備通常呈一包括於可攜式導航設備自身上的資料登錄器模組之形式。當導航設備由使用者銜接在銜接台中以便充電或更新時，通常將每一導航設備之GPS資料經由網際網路連接而發射至伺服器15〇。常常徵求使用者的許可以將GPS資料發射至伺服器，且已發現’大部分使用者允許GPS資料之此發射。在上述實施例之一變體中，使用無線連接直接自導航設備2〇〇&至2〇〇6發射資料。在每一種情況下’匿名處理GPS資料且不能被追湖回特定使用者。伺服器150將隨時間過去所收集之所有GP S資料同緯度/ 135345.doc -26- 201017112 經度定位資訊一起儲存於大量資料儲存器16〇中。將理解’積累來自許多使用者之大量GPS資料，且隨時間過去，獲得表示在一區域或網路中之每一可能道路上的行進之GPS資料。除了提供位置資訊之外，可分析Gps資料以便為每一導航設備提供速度或其他軌跡資料或操作資料 (若需要）。雖然在圖6中將地圖資料儲存器4〇〇展示為一單獨組件，但其亦可形成大量資料儲存器160之部分。儲存於資料儲存器400中之地圖資料包括道路網之數位圖，其使用節點及連接結構（道路段）將道路網之拓撲描述為數學圖。如下文將更詳細描述，與位置資料處理模組4〇4合作的繪圖模組402提供對自導航設備獲得的Gps資料之自動分析’以便計算比由儲存於資料儲存器4〇〇中之地圖資料提供之地圖特徵更詳細的地圖特徵。在第一階段中，由繪圖模組4〇2將一給定數位地圖之每一道路段（或僅代表性道路段）或每一段道路分割成具適當長度之部分。每一部分之長度通常為25 m，但可視特定應用所需的解析度位準而改變該長度。如圖7中所說明，定義一與一選定道路部分對齊之矩形區域410，其具有等於該選定部分之長度的長度（例如，25 及足夠跨越該道路或行車道412之寬度（例如，10 m)。可自動地或視來自使用者之輸入、視該段道路之特性 (例如’已知其為主要道路還是次要道路，或其是否接近 135345.doc •27- 201017112 於其他道路）及所需解析度而改變每一區域之選定的長度及寬度。在附近沒有其他道路的情況下及/或在地圖資料可能不可靠的情況下’可加寬區域之寬度以確保該等區域覆蓋道路之所要區域。該等區域常常延伸超出該道路之預期邊界。視所需要的空間解析度而選擇道路之該等區域之長度。亦可自動地或視來自使用者之輸入而篩選要選擇用來分析之區域’以確保排除可能提供不可靠或非代表性結果之區域。該等區域包括：可提供外來GPS資料之區域（諸如，接近於平行道路、立交橋或地下道之區域或接近於可能干擾GPS或其他位置決定系統之操作的特徵（諸如，橋或摩天大樓）之區域。如圖8中所示，可進一步將每一矩形區域41〇分割成與道路之方向對齊的具適當寬度（例如，i m)之較小條帶。繪圖模組402將區域410之座標提供至位置資料處理模組 404 « 位置資料處理模組404接著對要分析的區域41〇或該段道路中的所儲存GPS軌跡執行預處理（prec〇nditi〇ning)。舉例而言，基於數位地圖資料之給定線型拓撲，按照駕駛方向來分離該等GPS執跡。接著由位置資料處理模組404藉由選擇表示屬於區域41〇的位置之所有GPS資料來篩選用於選定之駕駛方向之Gps 資料。接著，亦可視情況進一步篩選該選定GPS資料以確保僅為通過該區域410之每一軌跡選擇單一位置，從 135345.doc •28- 201017112 而確保靜止或緩慢移動之載運工具不會不適當地加權該資料。接著決定屬於每一條帶的選定GPS位置之數目，以提供區域410的GPS位置之分布。在該實施例之一變體中，不細分每一區域且直接分析對於該區域所獲得的GPS位置之分布，而無需將GPS資料予以裝桶或裝箱。區域410的GPS位置之分布表示沿著該段道路行進之載運工具的位置之分布。已發現該分布又反映該道路之布局的特徵。舉例而言，GPS位置集中在道路或行車道邊界内’且GPS位置在道路内集中在每一車道之中心周圍。相反地’朝向車道之邊緣的GPS位置相對較少，且在道路或行車道邊界之外的GPS位置較少（即便有）。可藉由使該分布擬合於一適當函數及視該經擬合的函數之係數而決定特定屬性之值來決定關於該道路之屬性的詳細資訊。位置資料處理模組4〇4使用標準函數擬合技術（例如，雷文博格_馬誇特（最小平方曲線擬合））來使GPS位置之該分布擬合於一或多個高斯函數。已發現，假設一沿著單車道道路之未受干擾的橫截面GPS密度函數之高斯分布，該分布之平均數近似於要分析的道路段之中心線。亦已發現，可藉由南斯類型之函數之疊加（SUperp〇siti〇n)來近似多車道道路或行車道之密度分布’如圖9中所示意說明，圖9展示複式行車道428之四個車道的四個個別高斯分布42〇、 U2、424、426及該等高斯分布之一疊加43(^在彼情況 135345.doc •29·201017112 The channel 152 can accommodate satellite communications. Communication signals transmitted via communication channel 152 include, but are not limited to, signals that may be needed or desired for a given communication technology. For example, the signals may be suitable for use in cellular communication technology, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA). , Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Both digital and categorical signals can be transmitted via communication channel 152. These signals may be modulated, encrypted, and/or compressed signals that may be desirable for communication techniques. The server 150 includes (in addition to other components not otherwise described) a processor 154 operatively coupled to the memory i 56 and further operatively coupled to the bulk via a wired or wireless connection 158 Data storage device 160. The mass storage device 160 contains storage of navigational data and map information, and may equally be separate from the server 150 or may be incorporated into the server 150. The processor 154 is further operatively coupled to the transmitter 162 and the receiver 164 to transmit information to and receive information from the navigation device 200 via the communication channel 152. The signals transmitted and received may include data, communications, and/or Or other propagating signals. Transmitter 162 and receiver 164 may be selected or designed in accordance with communication requirements and communication techniques used in the communication design of navigation device 200. Additionally, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 162 and receiver 164 can be combined into a single transceiver. As mentioned above, the navigation device 2A can be configured to communicate with the feeder 150 via the communication channel 152, which uses the transmitter 166 and the receiver ι68 to transmit and receive signals and/or data via the communication channel 152, I35345.doc •20· 201017112 can be further used to communicate with devices other than the server 150. Moreover, as described above with respect to FIG. 2, the transmitter 166 and the receiver 168 are selected or designed in accordance with communication requirements and communication techniques used in the communication design of the navigation device 200, and the transmitter 166 and the receiver 168 can be The function is combined into a single transceiver. Of course, navigation device 200 can include other hardware and/or functional portions, which are described in more detail later herein. The software stored in the server memory 156 provides instructions to the processor 154 and allows the server 150 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One of the services provided by the server 150 includes processing requests from the navigation device 200 and directing navigation data. A large amount of data storage 160 is transmitted to the navigation device 200. Another service that may be provided by the server 150 includes using various algorithms for processing the navigation data for the desired application and transmitting the results of such calculations to the navigation device 200. The server 150 constitutes a remote terminal accessible by the navigation device 200 via the wireless channel. Source of information. Server 150 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), and the like. The server 150 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer and the communication channel 152 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 2''. Alternatively, a personal computer can be connected between the navigation device 2 and the server 150 to establish an internet connection between the server 150 and the navigation device 2〇0. The information from the server 150 can be provided to the navigation device 200 via the information download 'automatically or after the user connects the navigation device 2 to the server 15', the information download can be periodically updated, and/or via ( For example, the wireless line 135345.doc 21 201017112 dynamically connects the device and the TC magic connection and after the server 15〇 and the navigation device 2〇〇 make a more strange or frequent connection, the information is more (4) 1 for many dynamic calculations. The processor 154 in the vessel 15 can be used to handle a large amount of processing needs, however, the processor of the navigation device 200 (not shown in FIG. 2) can also handle many processing and calculations from time to time independent of the connection to the server 150. . Referring to Figure 3, it should be noted that the block diagram of navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device, but rather only a number of example components. The navigation device 2〇〇 ® is located in a housing (not shown). The navigation device 2 includes a processing resource including, for example, the processor 202 mentioned above, and the processor 202 is coupled to an input device 204 and a display device (e.g., display screen 2〇6). Although reference is made herein to the singular form of input device 204', it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that input device 204 represents any number of input devices, including keyboard devices, voice input devices, touch panels, and/or for inputting information. Any other known input device. Likewise, display screen 206 can include any type of display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). In one configuration, one of the input devices 204 (touch panel) and display screen 206 is integrated to provide an integrated input and display device, the integrated input and display device including a touch pad or touch screen input 250 (FIG. 4), to realize information input (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and information display via the touch panel screen, so that the user only needs to touch one part of the display screen 206 to select a plurality of display devices. One of the options either starts a virtual or one of the "soft" buttons. In this regard, processor 202 supports a graphical user interface (GUI) that operates in conjunction with a touch screen. 135345.doc • 22- 201017112 In navigation device 200, processor 202 is operatively coupled to input device 204 via connection 210 and is capable of receiving input information from input device 204 via connection 210 and operating via respective output connection 212 At least one of display screen 206 and output device 208 is coupled to output information thereto. The navigation device 200 can include an output device 208, such as an audio output device (e.g., a 'speaker). Since the output device 208 can generate audio information for the user of the navigation device 2, it should be understood that the input device 2〇4 can include a microphone and software for receiving an input voice command as well. In addition, navigation device 200 can also include any additional input devices 2〇4 and/or any additional output devices such as audio input/output devices. Processor 202 is operatively coupled to memory 214 via connection 216 and is further adapted to receive information from input/output (?/〇) 218 via connection 220/to send information to input/output (1/0)埠218, where 1/〇埠218 "T is connected to I/O device 222 external to navigation device 200. External I/O device 222 can include, but is not limited to, an external listening device, such as an earpiece. The connection to the 1/〇 device 222 may additionally be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device, such as a car stereo unit, for example for hands-free operation and/or for voice-activated operation, for to the handset Or a connection to a headset and/or for connection to, for example, a mobile phone, wherein a line (four) voice connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and, for example, the Internet or any other network. And/or to establish a connection to a server via, for example, the Internet or some other network. Circle 3 further illustrates the operative connection between processor 2〇2 and antenna/receiver 224 via connection 226, where antenna/receiver "A can be (9) 135345.doc -23- 201017112 eg GPS antenna/receive It should be understood that the antenna and receiver represented by reference numeral 224 are schematically combined for illustrative purposes, but the antenna and receiver may be separately positioned components, and the antenna may be, for example, a Gps patch antenna or a helical antenna. Tian Ran, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic components shown in Figure 3 are powered by one or more power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, Different configurations of the components shown in Figure 3. For example, the components shown in Figure 3 can be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Accordingly, the navigation device 200 described herein can. It can be a portable or handheld navigation device. In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 2 of Figure 3 can be connected to or connected to a "such as a bicycle, a bicycle, or a car. Or boat The navigation device 200. The navigation device 200 can then be removed from the articulated position for portable or handheld navigation purposes. Referring to Figure 4, the navigation device 200 can be an integrated input and display device 206 and other components of Figure 2 (including It is not limited to units of internal gps receiver 224, microprocessor 202, power source (not shown), memory system 214, etc. Navigation device 200 can be located on arm 252, which can be used to secure arm 252 itself to the carrier. Tool panel/window/etc. This arm 252 is an example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be coupled. The navigation device 2 can be coupled or otherwise connected to the arm of the docking station by means of a buckle 252, the buckle, for example, connects the navigation device 200 to the arm 252. The navigation device 200 can then be rotatable on the arm 252. To release the connection between the navigation device 2 and the docking station, for example, press navigation A button (not shown) on the device 200. The same suitable configuration for coupling the 135345.doc -24- 201017112 navigation device 200 to the docking station and decoupling the navigation device 2〇〇 from the docking station is generally Referring to Figure 5, processor 202 cooperates with memory 214 to support a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System μ82, which acts as a functional hardware component 280 of navigation device 200 and The interface between the software executed by the device. The processor 202 then loads an operating system 284 from the memory 214, and the operating system provides an application software 286 (which implements the above-described route planning, navigation, and other functionalities). Some or all of the operational environment. The application software 286 provides a work environment that includes the core functions of the navigation device (eg, map view, route planning, navigation functions, and any other functions associated therewith). In this regard, the portion of the application software 286 includes a view generation module 288. As mentioned above, the navigation device 2 uses the map material to display the location of the navigation device 200 on the map on the display device 2〇6, and updates the displayed position on the map to reflect the movement of the navigation device 2〇〇 . The map information is also used to plan and display routes. The location of the road available to the user can be obtained in electronic form and stored as an existing map of the map data. However, this existing map data often only provides limited information (if any) about the properties of a particular road. In Fig. 6, it is stated that m uses detailed information indicating the value of the nature of the road user's passage through a selected area of a road to obtain detailed information about the attributes of the road. In particular, the system can provide the information that is not provided by the ordinary map, the width and number of the # lanes, the start of the minute and the most appropriate time for the user to follow the points, 135345.doc •25 - 201017112 and the presence of higher and lower speed lanes. This information can also be used to correct existing map data if necessary. The removable navigation can also use this information to provide more accurate information or instructions to the user, such as reporting the most appropriate lane to the user, reporting the best moment of the turn to the user, and accurately displaying The location of the user's vehicle on the road. The system includes a server 150 that communicates with a plurality of navigation devices and links to a data store 400 that stores map data. For clarity, only five navigation devices 200a through 200e are shown, but it will be understood that, in practice, thousands One or more navigation devices can communicate with the server 15A. The server module includes: a drawing module 402 for reading map data from the data storage device 4 and processing the map data; and a position data processing module 4〇4 for processing the self-navigation Location data received by devices 200a through 200e. During the normal operation of the navigation devices 200a to 200e, the gpS data from the devices are periodically recorded (for every 5 seconds for the current system) on a login device, which is usually included in the portable navigation. The form of the data logger module on the device itself. When the navigation device is connected by the user in the docking station for charging or updating, the GPS data of each navigation device is usually transmitted to the server 15 via the internet connection. The user's permission is often sought to transmit GPS data to the server, and it has been found that most users allow this transmission of GPS data. In a variant of the above embodiment, the data is transmitted directly from the navigation device 2〇〇& to 2〇〇6 using a wireless connection. In each case, the GPS data is processed anonymously and cannot be traced back to a specific user. The server 150 stores all the GP S data collected over time along with the latitude/135345.doc -26- 201017112 longitude positioning information in a large amount of data storage 16〇. It will be understood to accumulate a large amount of GPS data from many users and, over time, obtain GPS data representing travel on each possible road in a region or network. In addition to providing location information, Gps data can be analyzed to provide speed or other trajectory data or operational data (if needed) for each navigation device. Although the map data store 4 is shown as a separate component in FIG. 6, it can also form part of a large data store 160. The map material stored in the data storage 400 includes a digit map of the road network, which uses the nodes and the connection structure (road segments) to describe the topology of the road network as a mathematical map. As will be described in more detail below, the mapping module 402 in cooperation with the location data processing module 〇4 provides automatic analysis of the Gps data obtained from the navigation device to calculate the map by the data stored in the data storage 4 The map features more detailed map features. In the first phase, each road segment (or only a representative road segment) or each segment of a given digital map is segmented into portions of appropriate length by the mapping module 4〇2. Each section is typically 25 m in length, but can vary depending on the resolution level required for a particular application. As illustrated in Figure 7, a rectangular region 410 is defined that is aligned with a selected road portion having a length equal to the length of the selected portion (e.g., 25 and sufficient width across the road or lane 412 (e.g., 10 m). Can be automatically or depending on the input from the user, depending on the characteristics of the road (such as 'known as the main road or secondary road, or whether it is close to 135345.doc • 27- 201017112 on other roads) The length and width of each area are changed by resolution. The width of the area can be widened to ensure that the area covers the road if there are no other roads nearby and/or where the map data may be unreliable. The desired area, which often extends beyond the expected boundary of the road. The length of the area of the road is selected depending on the spatial resolution required. It can also be selected automatically for analysis based on input from the user. Areas' to ensure exclusion of areas that may provide unreliable or non-representative results. These areas include areas where external GPS data can be provided (eg, Areas close to parallel roads, overpasses, or underpasses or close to areas that may interfere with GPS or other location-determining features of the system, such as bridges or skyscrapers. As shown in Figure 8, each rectangular area may be further 41〇 is divided into smaller strips of appropriate width (eg, im) aligned with the direction of the road. Drawing module 402 provides coordinates of region 410 to location data processing module 404 « Location data processing module 404 then Pre-processing (prec〇nditi〇ning) is performed in the area to be analyzed 41〇 or the stored GPS trajectory in the road. For example, based on the given line topology of the digital map data, the GPS implementation is separated according to the driving direction. The location data processing module 404 then filters the GPS data for the selected driving direction by selecting all of the GPS data representing the location belonging to the region 41. The selected GPS data can then be further filtered to ensure that only To select a single location through each of the trajectories of the region 410, from 135345.doc • 28- 201017112 to ensure that the stationary or slow moving carrier The data will not be improperly weighted. The number of selected GPS locations belonging to each strip is then determined to provide a distribution of GPS locations for region 410. In one variation of this embodiment, each region is not subdivided and analyzed directly. For the distribution of GPS locations obtained in the area, there is no need to bin or box the GPS data. The distribution of GPS locations of area 410 represents the distribution of the location of the vehicle traveling along the section of the road. Reflecting the characteristics of the layout of the road. For example, GPS locations are concentrated within the boundaries of roads or lanes' and GPS locations are concentrated around the center of each lane within the road. Conversely, the GPS position toward the edge of the lane is relatively high. Less, and there are fewer GPS locations (even if there are) outside the boundaries of the road or lane. Detailed information about the attributes of the road can be determined by fitting the distribution to an appropriate function and depending on the coefficients of the fitted function to determine the value of the particular attribute. The location data processing module 4〇4 uses standard function fitting techniques (e.g., Ravenborg_Marquardt (least square curve fit)) to fit the distribution of GPS locations to one or more Gaussian functions. It has been found that a Gaussian distribution of undisturbed cross-sectional GPS density functions along a single lane path is assumed, the average of which is approximated to the centerline of the road segment to be analyzed. It has also been found that the density distribution of multi-lane roads or lanes can be approximated by the superposition of functions of the Nansian type (SUperp〇siti〇n) as illustrated in Figure 9, which shows the fourth of the double lanes 428. The four individual Gaussian distributions of the lanes are 42〇, U2, 424, 426 and one of the Gaussian distributions is superimposed 43 (^ in the case 135345.doc •29·

201017112 二:：：加的高斯函數中之每-者之平均數近似於該道路或灯車道之該等車道中之—者的中心線。 A 及圖8之實例中自地圖資料無法知道該道路是包 "道行車道還是單車道行車道。因此，位置資料處理模組404藉由使單—高斯函數擬合於該分布而開始且接著擬合雨斯函數(自兩個高斯函數直至最大數目⑷個高斯函數’其中11為車道之假定最大數目，常常最多為六）之-系列#加。位置資料處理模組4〇4基於對每一擬合之擬合錯誤之評估（考慮到擬合參數之數目）且基於對自每一擬合獲得的參數之值是否合理之決定（例如，藉由與預定之約束或臨限值之比較而決定）來選擇該等擬合中之一者作為最好擬合。在些情況下，在對擬合程序沒有約束的情況下，可發現單高斯（single Gaussian)係對位置分布的最好擬合即使違分布係對於多車道道路而獲得的。為了避免該等潛在錯誤，可藉由將道路之總寬度除以每一車道之假設寬度來獲得車道之數目。對於公路段，可為車道寬度假設為3 5 m之平均大小。對於其他道路類別，可基於對每一特定國豕有效的建築物或交通規則而應用稍微不同的車道大小。接著使用該所決定的車道數目作為對該擬合之約束。使用由選定的單高斯或多高斯擬合產生之參數之值來決定該段道路之一或多個屬性。舉例而言，如上文所提及，該經擬合的高斯函數之平均數或該等經疊加的高斯函數中之每一者之平均數近似於該道路之中心線或該道路之該等 135345.doc •30- 201017112 車道中之每一者的中心線。此外，可藉由由該函數擬合而獲得的單高斯分布之變量參數來近似道路之寬度。對於多車道道路，亦可自多高斯擬合之高斯函數中之每一者的變量獲得個別車道之寬度。該或每一經擬合的高斯函數之振幅亦可用作為道路上或道 ••路之每一車道上的流量之相對強度之度量。 - 可修改表示已分析的該段道路之地圖資料以包括藉由分布擬合程序而獲得之屬性，且最終可提供關於該段道路之 ❿ 更詳細資訊給使用者。此外，自位置資料之分布之分析所獲得的屬性可用以確認或校正地圖資料。舉例而言，可能發現根據該分布計算出的道路之區域之中心線的位置並不精確匹配儲存於該地圖資料中的彼區域之中心線之位置。在彼情況下，可用計算出之中心線資料來替代形成彼段的地圖資料之部分之中心線資料。自該分布所獲得的中心線資料亦可用作描述該路段之數位道路囷中之形狀點。以圖10之流程圖來概述說明囷6之系統之一操作模式。在圖7及圖8之實例中，僅對於圖7及圖8中所顯示的該段道路之單一區域410分析了 GPS資料之分布。通常，對於每一段道路選擇多個不同區域。視要分析之道路之特性、所要提取之屬性及所需解析度而手動或自動地選擇區域 410之數目及沿著道路之一長度的每一區域41〇的間距。舉例而言，對於相對次要的道路之段及/或道路之離會合處相對較遠的段，可選擇相對較少數目個間隔較寬的區 135345.doc -31 - 201017112 域用於GPS資料分布分析。與之相比，對於主要道路及接近於會合處的道路段及一道路網之相對複雜的部分，可選擇相對較少數目個間隔較窄的區域用於GPS資料分布分析。在一極端情況下’選擇沿著一道路段之整個長度的一系列連續區域。藉由比較不同區域之分布資料來獲得一道路之另外的屬性。舉例而言，已發現，對於接近於在一公路段與一或多個出口車道之間的分叉點之區域，與更上游或下游之區域相比較，密度分布將變寬。該等分布在該（該等）出口車道與主行車道分又時的加寬及該等分布在該（該等）出口車道完全與主行車道分離時的隨後變窄可用來識別出口車道之開始及分離位置。圖11為展示包括自兩個主行車道444、446之岔道440、 442之一段道路的示意圖照片。在地圖資料中藉由表示道路之中心線的線資料及指示認為岔道要分叉之處的點之節點資料來表示該段道路。節點資料通常僅提供關於岔道之布局的有限資訊，且可（例如）表示在岔道開始分又或最終分離之處或靠近該處的單點位置。在此實例中，在根據地圖資料所決定的位置（在一岔道刀又之假定位置之前18〇 m、在該岔道分又之該假定位置’及在該假定岔道分又之後6〇⑷選擇道路之三個區域 48 45 0牦2(同樣為25 m之長度）。在此情況下，如自圖U可見在相同位置處在兩個行車道皆有岔道分又。為該一個道路範圍域448、45〇、452獲得Gps分布資 135345.doc -32- 201017112 料，且由位置資料處理模組404處理該GPS分布資料。亦在圖12中以曲線描繪每—道路範圍域448、45〇、々π 之分布資料。可見，該等道路範圍域448、45〇、452中之每-者的分布展示兩個大的尖峰，一個尖峰對應於每一行車道之中心。亦可見’與更遠離該等岔道之假定位置的區域之分布相比較’在纟道分叉之Μ定位置處的道路範圍域之分布包括兩個額外的旁尖峰（side peak)454、456。該等旁尖峰係在 ί 岔道44〇、442與主行車道⑷、446分又時由沿著岔道 440、442行進之交通引起。因此，在此實例中獲得的分布資料之比較能夠確認自地圖資料獲得的該等岔道之位置。藉由增加所分析的不同選定區域之數目及/或藉由減小該等選定區域之大小來增加決定一岔道之位置所用的準確度。在一實例中，選擇一系列連續區域或重疊區域以覆蓋在一岔道之假定位置周圍的一段道路，且可藉由決定分布藝最先開始變寬或隨後變窄之區域來準確地決定該岔道之開始及/或分離之位置。為了獲得岔道之開始或結束的更準確位置，應用一校正項（correction term)。該校正項考慮到，一般駕駛者不會在岔道開始之處立即改變車道，而是在岔道開始之後幾米處改變車道。可藉由獲得若干入口或出口車道之精確起始位置之現場量測結果及將彼等量測結果與使用Gps資料之分布所獲得的彼等入口或出口車道之經自動識別之起點相比較來最佳 135345.doc •33- 201017112 化應用於任何給定岔道布局之校正的大小。藉由一出口或入口車道之真實起點與自動計算出之起點之間的平均偏差而導出的校正因數為道路類別及道路段之平均速度之函數。因此，通常視道路類別及/或道路段的測得平均速度而選擇應用於任何給定出口或入口車道之校正因數。道路類別之平均速度又可根據自所儲存之GPS資料獲得的軌跡 -- 資料來決定，且道路類別係自地圖資料得知或可根據道路布局屬性（道路布局屬性係根據所儲存之GPS資料之分布而 _ 自動決定的）來決定。可使在分叉處或接近於分又的區域之位置資料之分布擬合於函數（例如，高斯函數），以便獲得關於該分又之屬性的另外資訊。通常，在擬合表達式中包括一額外函數以表示一出口或入口車道或其他分又。可自該等擬合參數獲得至一道路的入口或出口車道之寬度及中心線位置，其獲得方式與可自該等擬合參數獲得一道路或該道路之車道之寬 $ 度及中心線位置的方式相同。舉例而言，圖13展示對於在一出口車道附近的三個區域所獲得的分布（在此情況下，該三個區域係在自地圖資料所獲得的分又點之前200 m、在該分又點之前8〇 m，及在 • 該分又點之後m)。可見’ 一對應於該出口車道之旁峰 460存在於在該出口車道之假定起點之後1〇〇 m的區域之分布中。在此情況下，已使該等分布擬合於高斯函數，且根據經擬合的函數之變量’已發現主行車道為大約23 m寬且已發現該出口車道為大約6m寬。 135345.doc -34· 201017112 如上文所提及，亦可自所儲存之GPS資料獲得速度及其他軌跡資料。在一操作模式中，通過一選定區域之每一載運工具或使用者的速度資料係自來自與該載運工具或使用者相關聯之一可攜式導航設備或其他具備Gps功能之設備的GPS資料獲得。接著將速度資料之分布用於決定一道路之一或多個另外屬性。在一實例中，獲得作為一道路之一選定區域内的位置之函數的一速度分布。該速度分布可用來（例如）決定特定道路或該等道路内之車道的平均速度、快車道或慢車道之存在與否，及道路類型《速度資料之分布對於決定可讓載運工具能夠以高於平均速度之速度行進的專門車道（例如，指派給高承載率載運工具之車道）之存在與否特別有用。亦比較對於不同區域所獲得之速度分布以便識別在一道路上速度變化之處的位置，例如，靠近會合處或其他分又。靠近分叉的速度分布亦可用來決定在進入或離開一道路 (例如，進入至一入口或出口車道，或自一入口或出口車道離開）後速度之平均變化。可更新所儲存之地圖資料以納入速度相關資訊。隨後可使用該地囷資料將一道路或該道路内之車道的歷史平均行進速度報告給使用者。亦可將在進入或離開一入口或出口道路後速度之預期變化，或在會合處、分叉或其他道路特徵之區域中速度之預期變化報告給使用者。圖14為自三個區域（在一出口車道之前2〇〇 m、在一出口車道之前80 m及在該出口車道之後1〇〇 m)之(jpg資料獲得 135345.doc -35- 201017112 的作為自一道路之左邊緣起的位置之函數的速度分布的圖表。在該出口車道之後100 m的區域之分布變寬，從而延伸至更向右的位置，對應於該出口車道之位置。彼分布亦在離該道路之左邊緣大約28 m之位置處展示該速度分布中之一旁尖峰，其對應於在該出口車道上行進的載運工具之速度。藉由將該旁尖峰與主尖峰相比較，可見，出口車道上之速度明顯顯著低於主行車道上之速度。關於圖7至圖14所描述的實例各自係關於單一道路段。實務上，倘若可獲得GPS資料之量，則該系統可用來自動地決定整個道路網之屬性。舉例而言，可將整個鎮、市、縣或者甚至國家之地圖資料及GPS資料提供至該系統。該系統能夠自動地為被調查之區選擇道路網中之每一道路之部分且使用本文中所描述之技術來分析每一選定部分的 GPS資料之分布，可識別提供異常分布資料之任何選定部分且可自動地或基於使用者之命令而摒棄該等部分。可為該道路網中之每一道路決定屬性，諸如道路、彼等車道或行車道内之行車道或車道之寬度、中心線位置、分叉之位置’以及速度變化及分布，且可更新該道路網之地圖資料以包括表示該等屬性之資料。關於圏7至圖14所描述的實例係關於存在於載運工具中之可携式導航設備。將理解’可使用其他可攜式設備，其 =括任何類型之GPS設備、行動電話或載運工具資料登錄例如’安裝於出租車或運車中之登錄設備）。該等可攜式設備可為相同或不同類型。 135345.doc -36 - 201017112 亦將理解，本文中所描述之實施例提供根據由使用者自身提供的資料對道路屬性或地圖資料之決定。因此，與手動檢驗方法相比，可自導航或位置登錄系統之任何使用者獲得資訊。每一使用者能夠將GPS定位資訊之一子集傳遞至全自動處理鏈中的中央伺服器，且可為每一道路段圖獲得資料且處理該資料。可使用數學演算法根據該資料來決疋道路之屬性（例如，車道之數目、中心線及寬度）。所提供之解決方法之優點為，數位繪圖過程之加速及地圖特徵之較高品質（詳言之，道路網之拓撲之更詳細資訊）。將瞭解，雖然至此已描述本發明之各種態樣及實施例，但本發明之範疇不限於本文中所陳述的特定配置，而實情為，本發明之範疇擴展為包含屬於附加之申請專利範圍之範疇的所有配置及其修改及更改。舉例而言，雖然將本發明例示為可攜式導航設備，但應瞭解，路線規劃及導航功能性亦可由運作適當軟體之桌上型或行動計算資源來提供。舉例而言，皇家汽車俱樂部 (RAC)在hUP:/AvWw.rac.c〇.uk提供線上路線規劃及導航設施，該設施允許使用者輸入起點及目的地，於是，伺服器 (使用者之計算資源與之通信）計算路線（其態樣可為使用者指定的）、產生地圖，並產生—組詳盡的導航指令用於將使用者自選定之起點指引至選定之目的地。雖然在前述詳細描述中所描述之實施例參考了 Gps，但應注意，導航設備可利用任—種位置感應技術作為對㈣ 135345.doc -37· 之201017112 The mean of each of the added Gaussian functions is approximately the centerline of the lanes of the road or the light lane. In the example of A and Figure 8, it is impossible to know from the map data whether the road is a package lane or a single lane lane. Therefore, the position data processing module 404 starts by fitting the single-Gaussian function to the distribution and then fitting the rain function (from two Gaussian functions up to the maximum number (4) Gaussian functions' where 11 is the assumed maximum of the lane The number, often up to six) - series # plus. The location data processing module 4〇4 is based on an evaluation of the fitting error for each fit (taking into account the number of fitting parameters) and based on a decision as to whether the value of the parameter obtained from each fit is reasonable (eg, borrowing One of the fits is selected as the best fit, as determined by comparison to predetermined constraints or thresholds. In some cases, where there is no constraint on the fitting procedure, it can be found that the best fit of the single Gaussian system to the position distribution is obtained even if the violation distribution is for a multi-lane road. To avoid these potential errors, the number of lanes can be obtained by dividing the total width of the road by the assumed width of each lane. For road segments, the average width of the lane width is assumed to be 3 5 m. For other road categories, a slightly different lane size can be applied based on the building or traffic rules that are valid for each particular country. The determined number of lanes is then used as a constraint on the fit. The value of the parameter resulting from the selected single Gaussian or multi-Gaussian fit is used to determine one or more attributes of the segment of the road. For example, as mentioned above, the average of the fitted Gaussian function or the average of each of the superimposed Gaussian functions approximates the centerline of the road or the 135345 of the road. .doc •30- 201017112 The centerline of each of the lanes. Furthermore, the width of the road can be approximated by the variable parameters of the single Gaussian distribution obtained by fitting the function. For multi-lane roads, the width of individual lanes can also be obtained from the variables of each of the Gaussian fitted Gaussian functions. The amplitude of the or each fitted Gaussian function can also be used as a measure of the relative strength of the flow on each lane of the road or road. - The map data representing the segment of the road that has been analyzed may be modified to include attributes obtained by the distribution fitting process, and may ultimately provide more detailed information about the road to the user. In addition, attributes obtained from the analysis of the distribution of location data can be used to confirm or correct map data. For example, it may be found that the position of the centerline of the area of the road calculated from the distribution does not exactly match the position of the centerline of the area stored in the map material. In this case, the calculated centerline data can be used to replace the heartline data that forms part of the map data. The centerline data obtained from the distribution can also be used as a shape point in the digital road that describes the road segment. An operational mode illustrating one of the systems of FIG. 6 is outlined in the flow chart of FIG. In the examples of Figures 7 and 8, the distribution of GPS data is analyzed only for a single region 410 of the segment of the road shown in Figures 7 and 8. Usually, multiple different areas are selected for each section of the road. The number of regions 410 and the spacing of each region 41〇 along one of the lengths of the road are manually or automatically selected depending on the characteristics of the road to be analyzed, the attributes to be extracted, and the desired resolution. For example, for a relatively minor segment of the road and/or a segment of the road that is relatively far away from the junction, a relatively small number of spaced apart zones may be selected 135345.doc -31 - 201017112 for GPS data Distribution analysis. In contrast, for a major road and a relatively complex portion of a road segment adjacent to the junction and a road network, a relatively small number of closely spaced regions may be selected for GPS data distribution analysis. In an extreme case, 'select a series of continuous areas along the entire length of a road segment. Another attribute of a road is obtained by comparing the distribution data of different regions. For example, it has been found that for regions that are close to a bifurcation point between a road segment and one or more exit lanes, the density distribution will be broadened compared to the more upstream or downstream regions. The subsequent widening of the (extra) exit lanes and the main lanes and the subsequent narrowing of the distribution lanes when the exit lanes are completely separated from the main lanes can be used to identify exit lanes. Start and separate positions. Figure 11 is a schematic photograph showing a road including one of the ramps 440, 442 of the two main carriageways 444, 446. In the map data, the road is represented by the line data indicating the center line of the road and the point information indicating the point at which the road is to be forked. The node data typically only provides limited information about the layout of the ramp, and may, for example, represent a single point location at or near the beginning of the ramp. In this example, the road is selected according to the position determined by the map data (18 〇 m before the assumed position of the knives, the assumed position at the 岔分, and 6 〇 (4) after the assumed 岔分The three areas are 48 45 0 牦 2 (also the length of 25 m). In this case, as can be seen from the figure U, there are spurs in both lanes at the same position. For this one road range 448 45, 452, 452 obtain Gps distribution 135345.doc -32- 201017112 material, and the GPS data is processed by the location data processing module 404. Also in Figure 12 is a curve depicting each road range 448, 45 〇,分布 π distribution data. It can be seen that the distribution of each of the road range 448, 45 〇, 452 shows two large peaks, one peak corresponding to the center of each lane. It can also be seen that 'and farther away from the The distribution of the regions of the assumed position of the equal channel is compared to the distribution of the road extent domain at the determined position of the ramp, including two additional side peaks 454, 456. These side peaks are at ί Ramp 44, 442 and main carriageway (4) The 446 points are again caused by traffic traveling along the ramps 440, 442. Therefore, the comparison of the distribution data obtained in this example can confirm the location of the ramps obtained from the map data. By increasing the different selected regions analyzed. The number and/or the accuracy used to determine the position of a ramp is increased by reducing the size of the selected regions. In an example, a series of consecutive regions or overlapping regions are selected to cover the assumed position around a ramp. a section of road, and the position of the beginning and/or separation of the ramp can be accurately determined by determining the area where the distribution begins to widen or subsequently narrow. To obtain a more accurate position of the beginning or end of the ramp, apply one Correction term. This correction takes into account that the general driver does not change the lane immediately at the beginning of the ramp, but instead changes the lane a few meters after the start of the ramp. It can be obtained by obtaining the accuracy of several entrance or exit lanes. Site measurement results from the initial location and their import or export vehicles obtained from the distribution of the Gps data The automatically identified starting point is compared to the best 135345.doc •33- 201017112 The size of the correction applied to any given ramp layout. Between the actual starting point of an exit or entrance lane and the automatically calculated starting point The correction factor derived from the average deviation is a function of the road category and the average speed of the road segment. Therefore, the correction factor applied to any given exit or entrance lane is typically selected depending on the measured average speed of the road category and/or road segment. The average speed of the road category can be determined based on the trajectory obtained from the stored GPS data, and the road category is known from the map data or can be based on the road layout attribute (the road layout attribute is based on the stored GPS data). Distribution and _ automatically determined) to decide. The distribution of positional data at or near the bifurcation may be approximated by a function (e. g., a Gaussian function) to obtain additional information about the attributes of the sub-parameter. Typically, an additional function is included in the fit expression to indicate an exit or entry lane or other sub-parallel. The width and centerline position of the entrance or exit lane to a road can be obtained from the fitting parameters in a manner obtainable from the width of the road or the roadway from which the road can be obtained from the fitting parameters. The way is the same. For example, Figure 13 shows the distribution obtained for three regions near an exit lane (in this case, the three regions are 200 m before the points obtained from the map data, and 8〇m before the point, and m after the point is again. It can be seen that a side peak 460 corresponding to the exit lane exists in the distribution of the area 1 m after the assumed starting point of the exit lane. In this case, the distribution has been fitted to a Gaussian function, and the main lane has been found to be approximately 23 m wide based on the fitted variable's function and the exit lane has been found to be approximately 6 m wide. 135345.doc -34· 201017112 As mentioned above, speed and other trajectory data can also be obtained from stored GPS data. In an operational mode, the speed data for each carrier or user through a selected area is from a GPS data from a portable navigation device or other GPS-enabled device associated with the carrier or user. obtain. The distribution of velocity data is then used to determine one or more additional attributes of a road. In one example, a velocity profile is obtained as a function of position within a selected region of a road. The velocity profile can be used, for example, to determine the average speed of a particular road or lane within the road, the presence or absence of a fast lane or a slow lane, and the type of road. The distribution of speed data can determine that the carrier can be higher than The presence or absence of a dedicated lane (e.g., a lane assigned to a high-capacity carrier) that travels at an average speed is particularly useful. The velocity profiles obtained for different regions are also compared to identify locations where the speed changes on a road, for example, close to a meeting or other point. The velocity profile near the fork can also be used to determine the average change in velocity after entering or leaving a road (e.g., entering an entrance or exit lane, or exiting from an entrance or exit lane). The stored map data can be updated to include speed related information. The map data can then be used to report the historical average travel speed of a road or a lane within the road to the user. It is also possible to report to the user the expected change in speed after entering or leaving an entrance or exit road, or the expected change in speed in the area of a meeting, fork or other road feature. Figure 14 is taken from three areas (2 〇〇m before an exit lane, 80 m before an exit lane and 1 〇〇m after the exit lane) (jpg data obtained 135345.doc -35- 201017112 A graph of the velocity profile as a function of position from the left edge of a road. The distribution of the area 100 m after the exit lane widens to extend to a more right position corresponding to the position of the exit lane. A side spike in the velocity profile is displayed about 28 m from the left edge of the road, which corresponds to the speed of the vehicle traveling on the exit lane. By comparing the side spike with the main peak, it is visible The speed on the exit lane is significantly lower than the speed on the main lane. The examples described with respect to Figures 7 to 14 are each for a single road segment. In practice, the system can be used if the amount of GPS data is available. Automatically determine the attributes of the entire road network. For example, map data and GPS data for the entire town, city, county or even the country can be provided to the system. The system can automatically The survey area selects portions of each of the road networks and uses the techniques described herein to analyze the distribution of GPS data for each selected portion, identifying any selected portions of the anomalous distribution data and automatically or based on the use Abandoning these parts, the attributes may be determined for each road in the road network, such as the width of the road or lane, the centerline position, the position of the fork, and the speed of the road, the lanes or lanes in the lanes Changes and distributions, and map data of the road network may be updated to include information indicative of such attributes. The examples described with respect to Figures 7 through 14 relate to portable navigation devices that are present in the carrier. Use other portable devices, including any type of GPS device, mobile phone or carrier data, such as 'login device installed in a taxi or car. The portable devices can be the same or different types. 135345.doc -36 - 201017112 It will also be understood that the embodiments described herein provide for the determination of road attributes or map data based on information provided by the user himself. Therefore, information can be obtained from any user of the navigation or location registration system as compared to the manual verification method. Each user can pass a subset of the GPS location information to a central server in the fully automated processing chain, and can obtain data for each road segment map and process the data. Mathematical algorithms can be used to determine the attributes of the road (eg, number of lanes, centerline, and width) based on this information. The advantages provided by the solution are the acceleration of the digital mapping process and the higher quality of the map features (in more detail, more detailed information on the topology of the road network). It will be understood that the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration set forth herein, but the scope of the present invention extends to include the scope of the appended claims. All configuration of the category and its modifications and changes. For example, while the invention is illustrated as a portable navigation device, it should be understood that route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by desktop or mobile computing resources running appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides online route planning and navigation facilities at hUP:/AvWw.rac.c〇.uk, which allows users to enter the starting point and destination, so the server (user calculation) The resource communicates with it) calculating the route (which can be specified by the user), generating a map, and generating a detailed set of navigation instructions for directing the user from the selected starting point to the selected destination. Although the embodiment described in the foregoing detailed description refers to Gps, it should be noted that the navigation device can utilize any type of position sensing technology as the pair (4) 135345.doc -37·

201017112 之替代（或實際上，除了 GPS夕、 m 可刹用盆“、外）。舉例而言，導航設備 _、料航衛星系統，諸如歐洲伽利略（Galileo) :統。同樣地，其不限於基於衛星，而是可易於使用基於之信標或其他任-種使得設備能夠確定其地理位置系統來發揮作用。本發明之替代實施例可實施為供電腦线使用之電腦程式產口口 4電腦帛式產品為(例如)一系列電腦指令該系列之電腦指令儲存於諸如㈣、cd__、r()^固定磁碟之有形資料記錄媒趙上，或趙現於電腦資料信號中，該信號係經由有形媒體或無線媒體（例如，微波或紅外）發射。該系列之電腦指令可構成上文所描述之功能性之全部或部分，且亦可儲存於任何記憶體設備（揮發性或非揮發性的）’諸如，半導體記憶體設備、磁性記憶艎設備、光學記憶體設備或其他記憶體設備中。一般熟習此項技術者亦將很理解，雖然較佳實施例藉由軟體來實施某功能性，但彼功能性可同樣地僅實施於硬體 (例如’藉由一或多個ASIC(特殊應用積體電路））中或實際上由硬體與軟體之混合來實施。因而，不應認為本發明之範疇僅限於實施於軟體中。將理解’在上文僅舉例而言來說明本發明，且在本發明之範疇内可進行細節之修改。可單獨地或以任何適當組合來提供在實施方式及（若適當）申请專利範圍及圖式中所揭示之每一特徵。最後’亦應注意，雖然隨附申請專利範圍陳述本文中所 135345.doc • 38 - 201017112 描述之特徵之特定組合，但本發明之範疇不限於以下所主張之特定組合，而實情為，本發明之範圍擴展為包含本文中揭示之特徵或實施例之任何組合，不管此時是否已在隨附申請專利範圍中具體列舉彼特定組合。【圖式簡單說明】圖1為可由導航設備使用的全球定位系統（GPS)之例示性、部分的示意說明；圖2為用於導航設備與伺服器之間的通信之通信系統的 φ 示意圖；圖3為圖2之導航設備或任何其他適當導航設備之電組件的示意說明；圖4為安裝及/或銜接導航設備之配置的示意囷；圖5為圈3之導航設備所使用之架構堆疊的示意表示；圖6為用於決定道路之至少一屬性之系統的示意圖；圖7為要分析之一段道路的示意說明；圖8為圖7之該段道路的進一步示意說明；圖9為可用來模型化交通車道之資料之分布的高斯分布的圖表；囷10為概述說明圖6之系統之一操作模式的流程圖；；圖11為包括岔道之一段道路的示意說明；圖12為圖11之該段道路之選定區域的Gps位置資料之分布的圖表；圖13為包括岔路的另外一段道路之選定區域的Gps位置資料之分布的圖表；及 135345.doc -39- 201017112 圖14為自另外一段道路的GPS資料獲得之速度之分布的圖表。【主要元件符號說明】 100 GPS系統 102 衛星 • 104 地球 . 106 GPS接收器 108 資料信號 ❿ 200 導航設備 150 伺服器 152 通信頻道 154 處理器 156 記憶體 158 連接 160 大量資料儲存設備 162 發射器 • 164 接收器 166 發射器 ' 168 接收器 • 202 處理器 204 輸入設備 206 顯示幕 208 輸出設備 210 連接 135345.doc -40- 201017112 212 輸出連接 214 記憶體 216 連接 218 輸入/輸出（I/O)埠 220 連接 ' 222 I/O設備 •w 224 天線/接收器 250 觸控墊或觸控螢幕輸入端 252 臂 254 吸盤 280 功能硬體組件 282 BIOS(基本輸入/輸出系統） 284 作業系統 286 應用程式軟體 288 視圖產生模組 200a 導航設備 200b 導航設備 200c 導航設備 - 200d 導航設備 ; 200e 導航設備 400 資料儲存器 402 繪圖模組 404 位置資料處理模組 410 選定區域 135345.doc -41 · 201017112 412 道路 420 高斯分布 422 高斯分布 424 高斯分布 426 高斯分布 428 複式行車道 430 高斯分布之疊加 440 岔道 ❹ 442 岔道 444 主行車道 446 主行車道 448 道路之區域 450 道路之區域 452 道路之區域 135345.doc ·42·An alternative to 201017112 (or indeed, in addition to GPS, m can be used), for example, navigation device_, navigation satellite system, such as Galileo, Europe. Similarly, it is not limited Based on satellites, it can be easily used based on beacons or any other system that enables the device to determine its geographic location. Alternative embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as computer programs for computer lines. The 帛-type product is, for example, a series of computer instructions. The computer instructions of the series are stored on the tangible data recording medium such as (4), cd__, r()^ fixed disk, or Zhao is present in the computer data signal, the signal system Emitted via tangible media or wireless media (eg, microwave or infrared). The series of computer instructions may constitute all or part of the functionality described above, and may also be stored in any memory device (volatile or non-volatile) 'such as semiconductor memory devices, magnetic memory devices, optical memory devices or other memory devices. Those who are familiar with this technology will also be very It is understood that while the preferred embodiment implements a certain functionality by software, the functionality may equally be implemented only in hardware (eg, by one or more ASICs (special application integrated circuits)) or indeed It is implemented by a mixture of a hard body and a soft body. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the implementation of the present invention. It will be understood that the present invention is described by way of example only and can be carried out within the scope of the present invention. Modifications of the details. Each of the features disclosed in the embodiments and (where appropriate) the scope of the patent and the drawings may be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Finally, it should also be noted that although the scope of the accompanying claims is stated herein The specific combination of the features described in the 135345.doc • 38 - 201017112, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific combinations claimed below, but the scope of the invention is extended to include the features or embodiments disclosed herein. Any combination, regardless of whether or not the specific combination has been specifically listed in the accompanying patent application. [Simplified Schematic] Figure 1 is a full view that can be used by the navigation device. Illustrative and partial schematic illustration of a ball positioning system (GPS); FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system for communication between a navigation device and a server; FIG. 3 is a navigation device of FIG. 2 or any other suitable navigation device BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a configuration for installing and/or engaging a navigation device; FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a stack of architectures used by the navigation device of circle 3; FIG. 6 is for determining at least one of the roads. Schematic diagram of the system of attributes; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a road to be analyzed; Figure 8 is a further schematic illustration of the road of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a diagram of a Gaussian distribution that can be used to model the distribution of data for traffic lanes囷 10 is a flow chart for explaining an operation mode of one of the systems of FIG. 6; FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a road including a section of a ramp; FIG. 12 is a distribution of Gps position data of a selected area of the road of FIG. Figure 13 is a graph showing the distribution of Gps position data for selected areas of another section of the road; and 135345.doc -39- 201017112 Figure 14 shows the GPS from another section of the road Chart speed distribution of the material obtained. [Main component symbol description] 100 GPS system 102 Satellite • 104 Earth. 106 GPS receiver 108 data signal ❿ 200 Navigation device 150 Server 152 Communication channel 154 Processor 156 Memory 158 Connection 160 Mass data storage device 162 Transmitter • 164 Receiver 166 Transmitter '168 Receiver• 202 Processor 204 Input Device 206 Display Curtain 208 Output Device 210 Connection 135345.doc -40- 201017112 212 Output Connection 214 Memory 216 Connection 218 Input/Output (I/O)埠220 Connection '222 I/O Device•w 224 Antenna/Receiver 250 Touch Pad or Touch Screen Input 252 Arm 254 Suction Cup 280 Functional Hardware Component 282 BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 284 Operating System 286 Application Software 288 View generation module 200a navigation device 200b navigation device 200c navigation device - 200d navigation device; 200e navigation device 400 data storage 402 drawing module 404 location data processing module 410 selected area 135345.doc -41 · 201017112 412 road 420 Gaussian distribution 42 2 Gaussian distribution 424 Gaussian distribution 426 Gaussian distribution 428 Complex carriageway 430 Gaussian distribution superposition 440 Ramp ❹ 442 Ramp 444 Main carriageway 446 Main carriageway 448 Road area 450 Road area 452 Road area 135345.doc ·42·

Claims

201017112 十、申請專利範圍： 1. 一種決定一道路（412)之至少一屬性之方法，其包含：選擇一道路範圍之一區域（410); 針對複數個道路使用者中之每一者決定與該道路使用者通過該選定區域（410)有關的至少一性質之值； *- 針對該複數個道路使用者決定該至少一性質之值的一 ’ 分布；及展· 視該所決定的分布而決定該道路（412)之至少一屬性。 • 2.如請求項1之方法，其中，針對每一道路使用者，由自一與該道路使用者相關聯之可攜式設備接收的資料而獲得該至少一性質之該值。 3. 4. 如請求項2之丨法，纟中每一可攜式設備為一可播式位置決定設備且/或每一設備為一具備Gps功能之設備。如請求項2或3之方法’其中該至少一性質係當該等可攜式設備存在於該選定區域中時的一性質。201017112 X. Patent application scope: 1. A method for determining at least one attribute of a road (412), comprising: selecting an area of a road range (410); determining for each of the plurality of road users a value of at least one property of the road user through the selected area (410); *- determining a 'distribution of the value of the at least one property for the plurality of road users; and displaying the determined distribution Determining at least one attribute of the road (412). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein for each road user, the value of the at least one property is obtained from data received from a portable device associated with the road user. 3. 4. In the case of claim 2, each portable device in the group is a playable location determining device and/or each device is a Gps capable device. The method of claim 2 or 3 wherein the at least one property is a property when the portable devices are present in the selected region.

如凊求項1、2或3之方法’其中該至少一性質包含在該選定區域中之位置。青求項1 2或3之方法，其中該至少_性質包含速度’且該分布包含在該選定區域中之速度之一分布。如請求項1 2或3之方法’其中該道路之該至少一屬性包含該道路之布局之至少一態樣。 8.如請求項7之方法，装φ # 具中该道路之布局之該至少一態樣包含車道之數目、—中^ φ τ 線之位置、一或多個車道之寬度’及一或多個車道之—分叉夕六+也尤a 刀又之存在與否中之至少一 135345.doc 201017112 者0 ::求項1、2或3之方法’其中該方法進一步包含決定該區域内該等可機式設備之複數個子分冑，且每一子分布較佳對應於該道路之一車道。 1〇,如請求項1、2或3之方法，其進-步包含視該分布之平二或子分布之平均數而決定一中心線之該位置。A method of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the at least one property comprises a location in the selected region. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the at least _ property comprises a velocity' and the distribution comprises a distribution of speeds in the selected region. The method of claim 1 or 3 wherein the at least one attribute of the road comprises at least one aspect of the layout of the road. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one aspect of the layout of the road in the φ# includes the number of lanes, the position of the middle ^ φ τ line, the width of one or more lanes, and one or more The lanes - the forks of the sixth six + also the a knife and the presence or absence of at least one of the 135345.doc 201017112 0: the method of claim 1, 2 or 3 'where the method further includes determining the area A plurality of sub-divisions of the machine-like device, and each sub-distribution preferably corresponds to one lane of the road. In the method of claim 1, 2 or 3, the further step comprises determining the position of a centerline based on the average of the two or sub-distributions of the distribution.

U·:請求項1、2或3之方法，其進一步包含根據該分布之變量或一子分布之一變量來決定該道路之該寬度。 !2·如請求項卜2或3之方法，其進一步包含：對於該道路範圍的複數個區域中之每一者，針對該複數個道路使用者中之每—者決定與該道路使用者通過該區域2關的至少-性f之值，且針對該複數個道路使用者決定該至少一性質之值的一分布；及比較該道路之該複數個區域之該等分布的差異以決定該道路之至少一屬性。 13.如請求項12之方法，其中該道路之該至少—屬性包含一分又之位置。 14·如6#求項U之方法’其進—步包含視可攜式設備之該分布相對於該道路之該等區域中之至少—者的一加寬而決定該分又之該位置。其進一步包含將該道路之該 15·如请求項1、2或3之方法所決定的至少一屬性輿矣千兮、若两丨土丹衣不該道路之地圖資料相比較，及視該比較而修改該地圖資料。 16.如清求項1、2或3之方法，盆、隹 . A 乃决其進一步包含視表示該道路 135345.doc -2 - 201017112 之地圖資料而選擇該道路之該區域β 17· -種騎-交通網之方法，其包含：接收表示一交通網之地圓資料，·選擇該交通網之至少一區域（41〇);使用如請求項1、2或3之方法來決定該交通網之該至少一區域 (41G)的至少-屬性；及處理該地圖資料以併人表示該所 · 決定的至少一屬性之資料。 - 18 _ —種測繪一範圍之繪囷系統，其包含：一接收器，其經組態以接收表示與道路使用者之通過 ❹ 有關的至少一性質之資料；及一處理器，其經組態以：選擇該範園之一區域（41〇); 處理該資料以針對每一可攜式設備決定與該道路使用者通過該選定區域（410)有關的該至少一性質之值丨針對複數個道路使用者決定該至少一性質之值的一分布；及視該所決定的分布而決定該選定區域（41〇)之至少一屬性。 19. 一種可攜式導航設備，其包含：一位置決定設備，其用於決定該可攜式導航設備之位 — 置；一處理資源，其經組態以：接收表示使用如請求項 ' 1、2或3之方法所決定的一道路（412)之至少一屬性的資料，且在該決定的位置處提供一表示該至少一屬性的輸出。一種電腦程式產品，其包含可執行以將如請求項丨、2或 3之方法付諸實施的電腦可讀指令。 135345.docU.: The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising determining the width of the road based on a variable of the distribution or a variable of a sub-distribution. 2. The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: for each of the plurality of areas of the road range, for each of the plurality of road users, determining to pass the road user a value of at least a property f of the region 2, and determining a distribution of values of the at least one property for the plurality of road users; and comparing differences in the distributions of the plurality of regions of the road to determine the road At least one attribute. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one attribute of the road comprises a location. 14. The method of claim 6 wherein the method further comprises determining the location of the distribution of the portable device relative to at least one of the regions of the road. It further includes comparing at least one attribute determined by the method of claim 15, or the method of claim 1, 1, or 3, if the map data of the two roads are not compared, and comparing the maps And modify the map information. 16. For the method of claim 1, 2 or 3, the basin, 隹. A further determines that the region of the road is selected by the map material representing the road 135345.doc -2 - 201017112. A method of riding a transportation network, comprising: receiving a ground data representing a transportation network, selecting at least one area of the transportation network (41〇), and determining the transportation network by using a method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3. At least one attribute of the at least one area (41G); and processing the map material to indicate the at least one attribute of the determined item. - 18 _ - a mapping system, comprising: a receiver configured to receive at least one property indicative of a pass by a road user; and a processor grouped State: select one of the areas of the park (41〇); process the data to determine, for each portable device, the value of the at least one property associated with the road user through the selected region (410) The road user determines a distribution of the values of the at least one property; and determines at least one attribute of the selected region (41〇) based on the determined distribution. 19. A portable navigation device, comprising: a location determining device for determining a location of the portable navigation device; a processing resource configured to: receive a representation using the request item 1 The data of at least one attribute of a road (412) determined by the method of 2, 3, and providing an output indicative of the at least one attribute at the determined location. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable to implement a method as claimed, 2, 2 or 3. 135345.doc