US20080167801A1

US20080167801A1 - Navigation device and method for establishing and using profiles

Info

Publication number: US20080167801A1
Application number: US11/907,230
Authority: US
Inventors: Pieter Geelen; Mark Ghetton
Original assignee: Pieter Geelen; Mark Ghetton
Current assignee: TomTom International BV
Priority date: 2007-01-10
Filing date: 2007-10-10
Publication date: 2008-07-10
Also published as: US20080228385A1; US20080167813A1; US20080167812A1; US8160815B2; US9194708B2; US8600668B2; US20140129134A1

Abstract

A method and device are disclosed for navigation. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, to a user of a navigation device for selection; and configuring the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile. In at least one embodiment, the navigation device includes an integrated input and display device to display a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, for selection by a user of the navigation device; and a processor to configure the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.

Description

CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

The following applications are being filed concurrently with the present application. The entire contents of each of the following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference: A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EARLY INSTRUCTION OUTPUT (Attorney docket number 06P207US01) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED MAP DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P207US03) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD RELATING TO AN AUDIBLE RECOGNITION MODE (Attorney docket number 06P207US04) filed on even date herewith; NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POINTS OF INTEREST (Attorney docket number 06P207US05) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FUEL PRICING DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P057US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INFORMATIONAL SCREEN DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P207US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DEALING WITH LIMITED ACCESS ROADS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DRIVING BREAK WARNING (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ISSUING WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P207US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF POSITION IN TEXT READABLE FORM (Attorney docket number 06P207US08) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P057US08) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REGIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING SPECIAL CHARACTERS IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (Attorney docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A LOCATION MESSAGE (Attorney docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING POWER (Attorney docket number 06P207US11) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL (Attorney docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL RESOURCE (Attorney docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR QUICK OPTION ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P207US15) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A RICH CONTENT DOCUMENT (Attorney docket number 06P207US27) filed on even date herewith.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) on each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/879,523 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,549 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,553 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,577 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,599 filed Jan. 10, 2007, and 60/879,529 filed Jan. 10, 2007, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present application generally relates to navigation methods and devices.

BACKGROUND

Navigation devices were traditionally utilized mainly in the areas of vehicle use, such as on cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats, etc. Alternatively, if such navigation devices were portable, they were further transferable between vehicles and/or useable outside the vehicle, for foot travel for example.
These devices are typically tailored to produce a route of travel based upon an initial position of the navigation device and a selected/input travel destination (end position), noting that the initial position could be entered into the device, but is traditionally calculated via GPS Positioning from a GPS receiver within the navigation device.

SUMMARY

The inventors discovered that navigation devices of today include many features and functions that are often difficult to find and use because so many functions are becoming available. The inventors discovered that a need exists to make it easier to use and find features they desire. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that it is difficult to adapt the settings of a device to a different situation or user needs (which may change from time to time) in an efficient and easy way. Thus, the inventors of the present application developed a method and implementation on a navigation device, to allow users to select, activate, or adjust profiles to vary settings and enable features in a user friendly manner.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes providing a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, to a user of a navigation device for selection; and configuring the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device includes an integrated input and display device to display a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, for selection by a user of the navigation device; and a processor to configure the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.
In at least one other embodiment of the present application, a method includes determining whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device; and implementing the profile, upon determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.
In at least one other embodiment of the present application, a device includes a processor to determine whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device, and to implement the profile, upon the processor determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application will be described in more detail below by using example embodiments, which will be explained with the aid of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (GPS);

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server, navigation device and connection therebetween of an embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an implementation of an embodiment of the navigation device;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, and 10-12 illustrate example display screens of an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 illustrates another example embodiment of the present application; and

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate an example embodiment for conveying an active profile to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
In describing example embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.
Referencing the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, example embodiments of the present patent application are hereafter described. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices, including the navigation device of embodiments of the present application. Such systems are known and are used for a variety of purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users.
Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which work with the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.
The GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.
As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS system is denoted generally by reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit about the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver 140, usable in embodiments of navigation devices of the present application, is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from the various satellites 120.
The spread spectrum signals 160, continuously transmitted from each satellite 120, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120, as part of its data signal transmission 160, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 120. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the GPS receiver device 140 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.
The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilized to input information; and the display screen 240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In at least one embodiment of the present application, the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input wherein a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 240 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.
In addition, other types of output devices 250 can also include, including but not limited to, an audible output device. As output device 250 can produce audible information to a user of the navigation device 200, it is equally understood that input device 240 can also include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.
In the navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 240 via a connection 225, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 240 and output device 250, via output connections 245, to output information thereto. Further, the processor 210 is operatively connected to memory 230 via connection 235 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O) ports 270 via connection 275, wherein the I/O port 270 is connectible to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device 200. The external I/O device 270 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The connection to I/O device 280 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some other network for example.
The navigation device 200, in at least one embodiment, may establish a “mobile” network connection with the server 302 via a mobile device 400 (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology) establishing a digital connection (such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the mobile device 400 can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a “mobile” network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a “real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device 400 (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using the internet 410 for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device 400 can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
As such, an internet connection may be utilized which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)-connection (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the internet.
The navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device 400, and eventually with the internet 410 and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example.
The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, wherein the internal antenna of the navigation device 200 can further alternatively be used). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card, complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the internet 410 for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device 400.
For GRPS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated in a manner discussed in any of the embodiments, previous and subsequent.
FIG. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 210 and an antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255, wherein the antenna/receiver 250 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 250 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch antenna or helical antenna for example.
Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in FIG. 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in FIG. 2 are considered within the scope of the present application. For example, in one embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.
In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of FIG. 2 can be connected or “docked” in a known manner to a motorized vehicle such as a car or boat for example. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server 302 and a navigation device 200 of the present application, via a generic communications channel 318, of an embodiment of the present application. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 of the present application can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.).
The server 302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The processor 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver.
Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302.
The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes processor, memory, etc. as previously described with regard to FIG. 2, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.
Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.
The communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.
The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (rf) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, according to at least one various embodiment, the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, for example, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication.
The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology. For example, the signals may be adapted to be used 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 analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 318. According to at least one embodiment, these signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.
The mass data storage 312 includes sufficient memory for the desired navigation applications. Examples of the mass data storage 312 may include magnetic data storage media such as hard drives for example, optical storage media such as CD-Roms for example, charged data storage media such as flash memory for example, molecular memory, etc.
According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. According to at least one other embodiment of the application, the server 302 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet.
The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated upon a user connecting navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.
The mass storage device 312 connected to the server 302 can include volumes more cartographic and route data than that which is able to be maintained on the navigation device 200 itself, including maps, etc. The server 302 may process, for example, the majority of the devices of a navigation device 200 which travel along the route using a set of processing algorithms. Further, the cartographic and route data stored in memory 312 can operate on signals (e.g. GPS signals), originally received by the navigation device 200.
As indicated above in FIG. 2 of the application, a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. In at least one embodiment, the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through a touch panel screen, for example. Such a screen may be a touch input LCD screen, for example, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device 240, such as audio input/output devices for example.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an actual implementation of an embodiment of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 4A, the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes an integrated input and display device 290 (a touch panel screen for example) and the other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to internal GPS receiver 250, microprocessor 210, a power supply, memory systems 220, etc.).
The navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 292, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a large suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to an arm 292 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device 292 to the arm 292 for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for connection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application). The navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of FIG. 4B. To release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for disconnection to a docking station are within the scope of the present application).
The inventors discovered that navigation devices of today include many features and functions that are often difficult to find and use because so many functions are becoming available. The inventors discovered that a need exists to make it easier to use and find features they desire. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that it is difficult to adapt the settings of a device to a different situation or user needs (which may change from time to time) in an efficient and easy way. Thus, the inventors of the present application developed embodiments of methods and implementations on a navigation device 200, to allow users to select, activate, and/or adjust profiles to vary operational settings and enable features in a user friendly manner. As such, instead of changing all settings one by one, the use of profiles make it possible to change a multitude of different operational settings, associated with a profile, in an efficient and easy way.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, a method includes providing a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, to a user of a navigation device 200 for selection; and configuring the navigation device 200, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes an integrated input and display to display a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, for selection by a user of the navigation device 200; and a processor 210 to configure the navigation device 200, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.
FIG. 5 illustrates a first example embodiment of a process of the present application. Initially, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S2 a plurality of profiles are provided for selection. These profiles can be provided to a user upon initially turning on a navigation device 200 for example, or can be provided upon a user selecting an icon 600 as shown in FIG. 6 of the present application for example. Upon processor 210 of the navigation device 200 receiving an indication of selection of such an icon 600, a plurality of profiles 610, 620, and 630 as shown in FIG. 7 for example, can be provided to a user for selection. It should be noted that the displays of FIGS. 6 and 7 can be achieved via an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200 for example, noting that the profiles 610, 620, and 630 can include labels of and/or descriptions displayed therewith.
Thereafter, in step S4, upon receiving an indication of a selection of a profile, the processor 210 may then configure the navigation device 200 to operate in accordance with a plurality of operational settings of the selected profiles. Examples of profiles and operational settings contained therein, will be explained as follows.
Operational settings within a profile can include settings for configuring a type or style of information displayed, the type or style of a display itself and/or a display of information, a color scheme of a display, sound settings of the navigation device 200, power usage of the navigation device 200, etc. In essence, operational settings linked to a particular profile enable many different parameters (functional, stylistic, etc.) of a navigation device 200 to be configurable together to operate in a certain manner. Through the use of preset selectable profiles and/or through the use of customizable profiles, a navigation device 200 can be more easily suited to fit stylistic, functional and other requirements of a user; noting that a default profile may be set for a user for regular use.
Operational settings affected may basically include anything that has a setting. These can include, but are not limited to: music settings, settings related to instructions (e.g. full enable all verbal and or visual instruction which may be practical when the user is unfamiliar in a certain area, and simple instructions where the user is in a familiar area), traffic information settings, safety related settings, communication related settings (e.g. bluetooth etc., e.g. for a flight profile, this may be disabled when in an airplane for example), settings related to kind of information displayed on the map, sound settings, perspective settings, settings that effect the menu's and the number of functions available (e.g. hide some functions to make it easier/safer), settings related to phone, route planning preferences, voice settings (which kind of voice, e.g. computer voice, male human voice, etc.), etc.
Further, if a plurality of users share a navigation device 200, each of the users can easily customize the navigation device 200 to their liking by either establishing a profile and/or selecting any one of a plurality of profiles. Further, operational settings within a profile are also customizable. The navigation device 200 can store, in memory 230 for example, a plurality of different preconfigured profiles, at least some of which may include operational parameters which are variable. In addition, profiles may be downloaded from a server 302 and/or even from another navigation device 200 of another user via a Bluetooth connection, for example.
Thus, in step S2 of FIG. 5 for example, the processor 210 can provide a plurality of profiles to the user for selection via a display of the plurality of profiles on an integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200. At least one of the profiles can include operational settings to enhance access, increase functionality, increase display style, etc. for entertainment options on the navigation device 200. This can be entitled, for example, a “music profile”, which can focus on configuring the navigation device 200 in accordance with a plurality of operational settings, to permit, for example, easy access to entertainment options within the navigation device 200. Further, another one of the profiles can include operational settings to enhance access to, display of, etc. basic navigation options on the navigation device 200. Such a profile can be an initial profile automatically selected for the user, for example, such as a “getting started” profile. Again, such a profile could focus on basic navigation options.
Further, at least one of the profiles can include operational settings to enhance an access to at least one of areas and Points of Interest proximate to a route of travel. Such a “touring/sightseeing” profile can focus on easily accessing Points of Interest via the navigation device 200 and can focus on an area around a route of travel of the navigation device 200. Such a route of travel can be easily established in a known manner by the processor 210 receiving indication of a selected or input travel destination, using a received GPS signal to determine a current location of the navigation device 200, and utilizing stored map information, stored in memory 230, to calculate a route of travel.
As previously indicated, each of the profiles can include a plurality of operational settings usable by the processor 210 to configure the navigation device 200 to fit the particular profile. For example, a “dashboard” profile, a “racing” profile can focus on designing the display to a user to include characteristics of an airplane cockpit for example. The display information and color scheme can be adjusted, based upon operational settings of the selected profile, to achieve such a display. In addition, sound settings can be adjusted to again enhance this racing or dashboard profile objective. Again, such profiles can be loaded upon the navigation device 200 when initially purchased and/or can be downloaded from a server 302 via a connection to the Internet for example, in either a wired or wireless manner described above. Such profiles can be received from server 302 in a manner somewhat similar to that previously described above. Further, for example, an XML plain text file may be used for the profile format stored in memory 230, or a comma separated file can be used to avoid XML. Further, the files may be stored in an appropriate folder in the memory 230, for example.
Profiles essentially offer to the user a combination of operational settings, to improve or even optimize a user experience to fit his specific user and or usage situation. Initially, the profiles provided for selection may, for example, cover the most common use cases and usage situations for which improvement and even optimization of settings is relevant. The idea behind the use of a profile is to make it easy for a user to choose and or change profiles in a limited number of steps, such as via selection of one of a plurality of present displayed profiles 610, 620, and 630 of FIG. 7 for example. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, an option to access profiles, for subsequent change of operational setting of the navigation device 200 for example, can be displayed as an icon 640, during a navigational view or in a navigational mode of the navigation device 200. Through the use of such a shortcut icon 640, a new profile can be easily selected.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, the user may be provided with an option to create a selectable profile of customizable operational settings 9or customize an existing profile by at least one of adding/deleting operational settings. For example, these can include the type of information displayed, and/or the way information is displayed on the navigation device 200; displayed menu options; sound settings; other settings such as color schemes, navigation information to be provided on a navigation bar 650 as shown in FIG. 8 of the present application, etc. These options to customize a user profile can be provided, by the processor 210, based upon information stored therein and once selected, the processor 210 can then configure the navigation device 200 to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the customized user profile.
Further, once customized, the navigation device 200 may be automatically configured to operate in accordance with the created profile and the operational settings thereof, upon a profile of customizable operational settings being created and upon the processor 210 failing to receive an indication of selection of another profile. Such profiles can be named by the user and/or can be created for each of a plurality of users of the navigation device 200, such that they are easily selectable in a manner previously shown and described with regard to FIG. 7 of the present application for example, depending upon which user desires to utilize the navigation device 200.
The various profiles established/customized can include any of user oriented profiles and usage oriented profiles, wherein operational settings of each type of profile can be combined into one single profile. User oriented profiles can include color scheme, voice, hot buttons, status bar preferences, etc. and can be used and/or selected for different users that utilize the same navigation device 200. Usage oriented profiles can involve music, hands-free options for use of the navigation device 200, safety cameras, battery saving modes, etc. wherein a user can design different preferences for use of the navigation device 200, such as for use in vehicle and/or walking navigation and/or using a navigation device 200 for other navigation or non-navigation purposes.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, a profile can either be selected in a manner previously described with regard to FIG. 6 or 7, adjusted or updated as will be discussed with regard to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the present application, edited as will be described with regard to FIGS. 10 to 12 of the present application, deleted or switched. To create a new profile, the user should first initially name the profile and can thereafter be provided by the processor 210 with a “wizard session” of a plurality of questions which, when answered, will define a new profile. The “wizard session” of questions can be already established and can be presented by the processor 210 accessing the information stored in memory 230 of the navigation device 200, for subsequent display on the integrated input and display device 290 for selection thereof. Alternatively, to create a profile with a “wizard”, it is also possible to save all the current selected settings in the entire system settings (or part of the system settings) into a new profile.
Thereafter, the user can be provided with a plurality of selectable operational settings which the user can choose to select and not select, which can include sound settings such as “sound on” for example, display settings such as “3D display,” usage settings such as “Left-handed operation,” etc. The operational settings can include preferences involving desired map colors, battery saving preferences, volume preferences, planning preferences (such as to avoid roads like toll roads for example), etc.
Once each of the operational settings of the profile have been selected by the user, and once each of the selection is received by the processor 210 of the navigation device 200, such operational settings can be saved and stored in memory 230 as a “profile” for the user. Thereafter, a screen is preferably displayed to the user asking if the user wants to activate the newly established profile.
With regard to the various operational settings, these operational settings can be logged in the memory 230 of the navigation device 200. Thereafter, the processor 210 can couple these settings to a particular profile and store these couplings in memory 230 such that when the profile is selected, the navigation device 200 will be configured to operate based upon the operational settings of the selected profile. After a profile is saved in memory 230, as a file for example, the profile may be retrieved later when a displayed profile name is selected, for example. As such, the processor 210 will load each of the various stored settings into the system and will configure the navigation device 200 to operate based upon the operational settings of the selected profile.
In an alternative embodiment of the present application, a user may be presented with an option to modify a selectable profile. For example, a user can select a profile that he wants to modify or edit. Thereafter, the processor 210 can access the operational settings coupled to the particular profile and can display these operational settings to the user, in a sequential manner for example, along with unselected but related operational settings. For example, regarding the “dashboard” profile, upon a user desiring to edit that particular profile, the processor 210 of the navigation device 200 can display both the selected operational setting of the 3D display, along with an unselected 2D display. Similarly, regarding color scheme, the processor 210 can instruct the display of a selected black and white display and an unselected color display, for example. Regarding the music profile, for example, as the music profile may typically include a power saving mode wherein a backlight of the display screen is switched off after a threshold number of seconds of no user interaction, for example, upon a user selecting a desire to edit such a profile, the processor 210 may instruct the integrated input and display device 290 to display both the selected options of power-saving mode and the unselected option of no power-saving mode.
As shown in FIG. 9A, once a user has selected various options for editing a profile, a “profile updated” screen can be displayed and thereafter an indication of “profile updated” can be displayed as shown in FIG. 9B, wherein such a notification can be provided along with map information, a flash message can be provided, etc., advising the user that the profile was updated during normal navigation use of the navigation device 200.
As shown in FIG. 10, editing a profile can initially be done by selecting an edit icon 660 in an initial preference menu, as shown in FIG. 10, selecting one of a plurality of profiles which the user decides to edit in FIG. 11, and then selecting a particular option or operational setting to edit in FIG. 12 for example. Alternatively, upon a profile being selected, the next time the user turns the navigation device 200 on, the user may be reminded of the profile currently selected and/or the operational parameters thereof. Therafter, the profile may be edited, for example.
Further, a particular profile may be deleted from the navigation device 200, for example, in a situation where the navigation device 200 is set to store only a limited number of profiles. As such, the user can select an option to delete a profile, and then the user can confirm this desire to delete the selected profile. If the deleted profile is the one being currently used, a screen will be preferably shown to the user to let him select one of the other existing profiles for current use. If there are no more profiles in the navigation device 200, a user can be prompted to create a new profile to replace the deleted profile. Further, the user may be provided with an option to switch a current profile to a different profile. The user can either be provided with an icon for selection corresponding to “switching profiles,” and can thereafter be provided with a plurality of profiles for selection such as those shown in FIG. 7 for example; or the user may be provided with a plurality of profiles for immediate selection upon powering up the navigation device 200 for example.
As previously discussed, each of a plurality of profiles can be pre-stored in memory 230 or downloadable for use in the navigation device 200 including different operational parameters such as information displayed, color scheme, sound settings, power usage, etc. For example, an XML plain text file may be used for the profile format stored in memory 230, or a comma separated file can be used to avoid XML. Further, the files may be stored in a route or in an appropriate folder in the memory 230. Non-limiting examples of some of these profiles have already been discussed above.
For example, a music profile can be established, which includes an operational setting of a power saving mode, wherein a screen of the navigation device 200 is switched off after a threshold number of seconds of no user interaction (for example, the user may get only verbal navigation instructions). Further, this switching off can include dimming or turning off completely a backlight power source of the integrated input and display device 290 for example. Further, when navigating with the music profile enabled, either a shortcut icon, selectable to access a music player or a dedicated music key may be presented to a user for selection within the main navigation screen including the determined route of travel and map information (similar to that of the icon 640 of FIG. 8, for example, noting that the icon can be representative of the profile selected, e.g. a music note icon for the music profile). This is displayed on the integrated input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200. Further, volume control may be used to adjust the volume of music, or a dedicated music volume slider may be displayed within the main navigation screen. The navigation sound may be muted or placed in the background, while music player or other MP3 sound is being played as the main audio. Again, such operational settings can be configured upon the processor 210 recognizing that the music profile has been selected.
An example of the “dashboard” or “racer” profile can include a focus on daily usage when driving. The focus can be not on navigation instructions, but on other information such as real speed, acceleration, G force, height, an economic driving indicator, traffic, hands free functionality, incoming messages, finding the nearest shortcut to a nearby POI, weather, etc. The “dashboard” or “racer” profile can include a particular configuration of the displayed information so as to be reminiscent of an airplane cockpit style, for example. This profile can further allow for a one-touch exit button to enter a main or normal navigation display mode.
Other non-limiting examples of profiles can include, but are not limited to, a “power saving” profile which offer advanced power saving options, screen turn-off when no turns and an exit are within a threshold of an upcoming route, associations between power saving and accelerometer data, etc. A “getting started” profile can include hiding menu options, settings and reducing displayed information in a minimalistic mode, offering tips and extra information, even on the most basic actions, etc. A “touring” or “sightseeing” profile may include less focus on display of route of travel from A to B and more focus on nearby Points of Interest. A “traffic” or “business” profile can include activating rerouting options, including trip recording controls, traffic information settings, and signals and a display etc.
It should be noted that each of the aforementioned aspects of an embodiment of the present application have been described with regard to the method of the present application. However, at least one embodiment of the present application is directed to a navigation device 200, including an integrated input and display device 290 to display a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, for selection by a user of the navigation device 200; and a processor 210 to configure the navigation device 200, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile. Thus, such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 5-12, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.
In at least one other embodiment of the present application, a method includes determining whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device 200; and implementing the profile, upon determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device 200 based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.
In at least one other embodiment of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes a processor 210 to determine whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device 200, and to implement the profile, upon the processor 210 determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device 200 based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.
FIG. 13 illustrates another example embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, input information is initially received in step S12. In step S14, the processor 210 determines whether or not the received information will trigger implementation of a profile. If not, the method proceeds to normal operation in step S16, based upon a received input information. However, if the answer is yes to the question posed in step S14, the profile is implemented in step S18 by the processor 210 configuring the navigation device 200 based on operational settings of the profile.
For example, certain profiles can be triggerable not just by selection, but also by context. For example, if the processor 210 receives an indication of an input or a selection of a travel destination, and then calculates a route of travel based upon the map information stored in memory 230, input or selected travel destination, and a current location of the navigation device 200 determined based upon a received GPS signal for example, the processor 210 of the navigation device 200 can establish a route of travel. Further, the route of travel can be compared, based upon the length or estimated time of travel, to a certain threshold to determine if the route of travel is indicative of a relatively long trip. Mainly, the determined length of a route of travel and/or the estimated time of travel can be compared to a threshold which can then be used by the processor 210 to trigger implementation of a “long trip” profile for example.
Such triggers and when to compare such triggers can be programmed in memory 230 and implemented by the processor 210. For example, a trigger could be a long route of travel such as a planned route longer than a threshold, such as a time of travel threshold (three hours for example) and/or a distance threshold. When the route of travel is determined, the estimated travel time is calculated and can be stored in memory 230 and can then be compared by processor 210 to a threshold value. If the route of travel exceeds such a time or distance threshold, a “long trip” profile can either be suggested (via a display prompt, a flashing message, etc.) or loaded.
Thus, simply based upon a determined route of travel, a particular profile can have its implementation triggered, such that the profile can thereafter be implemented by configuring the navigation device 200 based on operational settings of the profile in step S18. A “long trip” profile, for example, can include periodic reminders to take a break, changes in color scheme or various indicators to warn a user of speeding, power usage settings to place the navigation device 200 into a power saving mode, etc.
Thus, the received information which may or may not trigger implementation of a profile in the navigation device 200 may include information input to determine the route of travel, wherein the received information may be determined to trigger the implementation of the profile upon the determined route of travel exceeding a threshold distance for example. Regarding the various profiles that may be implemented, these profiles may be stored in memory 230 along with related triggers and implementable, and at least one of the profiles may include operational settings to enhance access to entertainment options in the navigation device 200, access to basic navigation options in the navigation device 200, operational settings to enhance access to at least one of areas and Points of Interest proximate to a route of travel, etc. The operational settings may include at least one of a color scheme setting, a sound setting, a power usage setting, and a display setting.
A further aspect of received information triggering implementation of a profile may be a more automatic composition of the user's profile. Such a profile can, for example, be built by the processor 210 from information about the user, including but not limited to: Is the navigation device 200 of the user currently in a home country of the user? Does the user understand the language of the current country in which the navigation device is located? Is the user familiar in this current area in which the navigation device is located? Is the user speeding (or in a hurry)?, etc. The processor 210 can also use general information: What time of the year is it (for example, some POIs will not be available in winter)? What time of the day is it (Are shops still open. Is it dark)? What kind of weather is currently occurring? What kind of roads exist (sharp curves)?, etc.
For example, the processor 210 may determine (based on average speed and acceleration, for example) whether the user is walking, cycling or driving a car. For each type of transport, a different profile may be selected by the processor 210 and used. Based on the selected profile, functionalities and preferences (operational parameters associated with the profile) are adjusted by the processor 210. For example, the default POIs enabled on a displayed map may be dependent upon the profile: e.g. Gas station POIs for the ‘Driving profile’ and public transport POIs for a ‘Walking profile’, etc. Also, the calculation of a travel route and the instructions provided may be dependent on the profile. For each profile, the instructions may be timed differently, for example. For the ‘Walking profile’ the instructions may contain ‘pedestrian’ elements such as crosswalks for example.
FIGS. 14A-C illustrate an example embodiment for conveying an active profile to a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A-C, the display of the navigation device, in a navigation mode, may indicate or otherwise convey the profile that the application is currently in. For example, FIG. 14A shows “Feet” representing a “walking” profile, FIG. 14B shows a “bike” for a “cycling” profile; and FIG. 14C shows a “car” for a “driving” profile.
Thus, in the process of FIG. 13, the information may be received by the processor 210 from a source other than the user. Further, the received information may include information useable to determine a speed of travel of the navigation device, the navigation device subsequently implementing a profile selected in dependence of the determined speed. Still further, the profile may be selected from at least one of a walking profile, a biking profile and a driving profile, and a display 240, such as integrated input and display device 290, can display an indication of the profile selected to the user. The display 240 can include a display of an icon representative of the profile selected, as shown in FIGS. 14A-C for example; and the icon may be displayed with map information during use of the navigation device in a navigation mode, as is also shown in FIGS. 14A-C.
It should be noted that each of the aforementioned aspects of an embodiment of the present application have been described with regard to the method of the present application. However, at least one embodiment of the present application is directed to a navigation device 200, including a processor 210 to determine whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device 200, and to implement the profile, upon the processor 210 determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device 200 based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile. The navigation device 200 may also include a display 240, such as integrated input and display device 290 for example, to display an indication of the profile selected to the user, such as the icons of FIGS. 14A-C for example (alone or with map information). Thus, such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 13 and 14A-C, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.
The methods of at least one embodiment expressed above may be implemented as a computer data signal embodied in the carrier wave or propagated signal that represents a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor (such as processor 304 of server 302, and/or processor 210 of navigation device 200 for example) causes the processor to perform a respective method. In at least one other embodiment, at least one method provided above may be implemented above as a set of instructions contained on a computer readable or computer accessible medium, such as one of the memory devices previously described, for example, to perform the respective method when executed by a processor or other computer device. In varying embodiments, the medium may be a magnetic medium, electronic medium, optical medium, etc.
Even further, any of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a program. The program may be stored on a computer readable media and is adapted to perform any one of the aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device including a processor). Thus, the storage medium or computer readable medium, is adapted to store information and is adapted to interact with a data processing facility or computer device to perform the method of any of the above mentioned embodiments.
The storage medium may be a built-in medium installed inside a computer device main body or a removable medium arranged so that it can be separated from the computer device main body. Examples of the built-in medium include, but are not limited to, rewriteable non-volatile memories, such as ROMs and flash memories, and hard disks. Examples of the removable medium include, but are not limited to, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical storage media, such as MOs; magnetism storage media, including but not limited to floppy disks (trademark), cassette tapes, and removable hard disks; media with a built-in rewriteable non-volatile memory, including but not limited to memory cards; and media with a built-in ROM, including but not limited to ROM cassettes; etc. Furthermore, various information regarding stored images, for example, property information, may be stored in any other form, or it may be provided in other ways.
As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading the disclosure, the electronic components of the navigation device 200 and/or the components of the server 302 can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry or as a computer readable program, or as a combination of both.
The system and method of embodiments of the present application include software operative on the processor to perform at least one of the methods according to the teachings of the present application. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, the manner in which a software program can be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer based system to execute the functions found in the software program. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand the various programming languages which may be employed to create a software program designed to implement and perform at least one of the methods of the present application.
The programs can be structured in an object-orientation using an object-oriented language including but not limited to JAVA, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and the programs can be structured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language including but not limited to COBOL, C, etc. The software components can communicate in any number of ways that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to by application of program interfaces (API), interprocess communication techniques, including but not limited to report procedure call (RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM), and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present application disclosure, the teachings of the present application are not limited to a particular programming language or environment.
The above systems, devices, and methods have been described by way of example and not by way of limitation with respect to improving accuracy, processor speed, and ease of user interaction, etc. with a navigation device 200.
Further, elements and/or features of different example embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.
Still further, any one of the above-described and other example features of the present invention may be embodied in the form of an apparatus, method, system, computer program and computer program product. For example, of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a system or device, including, but not limited to, any of the structure for performing the methodology illustrated in the drawings.
Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:

providing a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, to a user of a navigation device for selection; and

configuring the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing includes displaying the plurality of profiles for selection on an integrated input and display of the navigation device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to entertainment options on the navigation device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to basic navigation options on the navigation device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to at least one of areas and points of interest proximate to a route of travel.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the user with an option to create a selectable profile of customizable operational settings.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the navigation device is automatically configured to operate in accordance with a created selectable profile of customizable operational settings upon a profile of customizable operational settings being created and upon failing to receive an indication of selection of another profile.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the user with an option to modify a selectable profile.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the operational settings include at least one of a color scheme setting, a sound setting, a power usage setting, and a display setting.

10. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the navigation device to implement the method of claim 1.

11. A method, comprising:

determining whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device; and

implementing the profile, upon determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein received information includes information input to determine a route of travel, and wherein the received information is determined to trigger implementation of the profile upon the determined route of travel exceeding a threshold distance.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the information is received from a source other than the user.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the received information includes information useable to determine a speed of travel of the navigation device, the navigation device subsequently implementing a profile selected in dependence of the determined speed.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the profile is selected from at least one of a walking profile, a biking profile and a driving profile.

16. The method of claim 14, displaying an indication of the profile selected to the user.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the displaying includes displaying an icon representative of the profile selected.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the icon is displayed with map information during use of the navigation device in a navigation mode.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein a plurality of profiles are stored and implementable.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to power saving options on the navigation device.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to basic navigation options on the navigation device.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to at least one of areas and points of interest proximate to a route of travel.

23. The method of claim 11, wherein the operational settings include at least one of a color scheme setting, a sound setting, a power usage setting, and a display setting.

24. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the navigation device to implement the method of claim 11.

25. A navigation device, comprising:

an integrated input and display device to display a plurality of profiles, each including a plurality of operational settings, for selection by a user of the navigation device; and

a processor to configure the navigation device, upon receipt of an indication of a selection of a profile, to operate in accordance with the plurality of operational settings of the selected profile.

26. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to entertainment options on the navigation device.

27. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to basic navigation options on the navigation device.

28. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to at least one of areas and points of interest proximate to a route of travel.

29. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein the integrated input and display device is further useable to display an option to create a selectable profile of customizable operational settings.

30. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the processor is further useable to automatically configure the navigation device to operate in accordance with a created selectable profile of customizable operational settings, upon a profile of customizable operational settings being created and upon failing to receive an indication of selection of another profile.

31. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein the integrated input and display is further useable to display an option to modify a selectable profile.

32. The navigation device of claim 25, wherein the operational settings include at least one of a color scheme setting, a sound setting, a power usage setting, and a display setting.

33. A navigation device, comprising:

a processor to determine whether or not received information triggers implementation of a profile on the navigation device, and to implement the profile, upon the processor determining that the received information triggers implementation of a profile, by configuring the navigation device based upon a plurality of operational settings of the profile.

34. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein received information includes information input, via an input device of the navigation device, to determine a route of travel, and wherein the processor determines that the received information triggers the profile upon the determined route of travel exceeding a threshold distance.

35. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein the information is received from a source other than the user.

36. navigation device of claim 33, wherein the received information includes information useable to determine a speed of travel of the navigation device, the processor subsequently implementing a profile selected in dependence of the determined speed.

37. navigation device of claim 36, wherein the profile is selected from at least one of a walking profile, a biking profile and a driving profile.

38. The navigation device of claim 36, further comprising a display to display an indication of the profile selected to the user.

39. The navigation device of claim 38, wherein the display includes displaying an icon representative of the profile selected.

40. The navigation device of claim 39, wherein the icon is displayed with map information during use of the navigation device in a navigation mode.

41. The navigation device of claim 33, further comprising a memory to store a plurality of implementable profiles.

42. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to power saving options on the navigation device.

43. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to basic navigation options on the navigation device.

44. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein at least one of the profiles includes operational settings to enhance access to at least one of areas and points of interest proximate to a route of travel.

45. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein the operational settings include at least one of a color scheme setting, a sound setting, a power usage setting, and a display setting.