Vehicle navigation system with multi-use display

• US 20040193371A1
• Filed: 03/16/2004
• Published: 09/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo KK (Subaru Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo KK (Subaru Corp.)
• Inventors: Hori, Yoichi, Koshiji, Yoshikazu
• Granted Patent: US 7,272,497 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/211
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3688 Systems comprising multiple parts or multiple output devices (not client-server), e.g. detachable faceplates, key fobs or multiple output screens

Abstract

A vehicle navigation system (e.g., GPS) with multi-use display generator that provides for the switching of a displayed image from a navigational based image to a non-navigational image such as a favorite photo. This versatility allows for the user of a vehicle navigation to avoid having to look at a boring display of map images and instead view more desirable non-navigation images such as full 100% displays of a favorite photo shot. Also if the system is in a map image mode and the user does not utilize any portion of the vehicle navigation system for a predetermined period of time an automated switchover system is provided to cause a predetermined or randomly chosen favorite photo to appear on the display. An addition option of the system is to provide an automatic switchover to the favorite display mode whenever a determination is made by the system that it will not be needed for a long period such as when the user is on a long country road or when the destination is inputted and there are no options that will arise for an extended period. Various display modes are also featured that enable greater non-navigation display mode options and activation choices.

Claims

1. A vehicle navigation system with a multi-use display, comprising:

map image data supply means for storing map image data;

non-navigation data supply means for storing a non-navigation data image;

switchover means for selecting one of modes for navigation mode for displaying navigation image provided by the map image data means and non-navigation mode for displaying non-navigation image provided by the non-navigation data mean; and

processor means for displaying said selected mode on the multi-use display.

2. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:

said switchover means is configured with a touch screen manual switchover formed on the multi-use display.

3. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 2, wherein:

said switchover means is configured with software for changing automatically the modes from navigation mode to non-navigation mode when the system determines there is not a need for the navigation image for a driver, and changing automatically the modes from non-navigation mode to navigation mode when the system determines there is a need for the navigation image for a driver.

4. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:

said switchover means is configured with a toggle type switchover which allows the user to switch back and forth between the navigation mode and the non-navigation mode.

5. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:

said processor means is configured to display the non-navigation image as a set of images of photos or pictures.

6. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, wherein:

said processor means is configured to display the navigation image with the non-navigation image on the multi-use display, said non-navigation image being displayed as reduced in size image and in a non-interfering location relative to the map image of the navigation image.