Navigation system having function that stops voice guidance

• US 6,285,952 B1
• Filed: 12/20/1999
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Inventors: Kim, Jae-Young
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Gary
• Application Number:
  US09/468,000
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 701/200, 701/207, 701/208, 701/209, 701/210, 701/211, 731/78.R, 340/988, 340/990, 340/995, 345/7, 345/9
• US Class Current: 701/211
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3629 Guidance using speech or audio output, e.g. text-to-speech text to speech systems per se G10L13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/365 Guidance using head up displays or projectors, e.g. virtual vehicles or arrows projected on the windscreen or on the road itself

Abstract

Disclosed is a navigation system providing information on a position of a car. The system has a switch that is manipulated by a user to provide information on whether to operate a voice guidance function and/or a projector function. A controller controls the navigation system to provide voice guidance and/or projection functions according to a selection of the switch so as to provide directions to a branch road. The system also includes a voice guide for providing an audible guide message according to control signals of the controller, and a projector that projects a directional display on a windshield according to the control signals of the controller.

Claims

1. A navigation system for an automobile providing information on a position of the automobile, comprising:

a switch that is manipulated by a user to transmit information to select the performance of at least one function selected from the group of voice guidance and projection functions, wherein the switch operates such that when the switch is pushed once the voice guidance function is performed, when the switch is pushed again the projection function is performed, when the switch is pushed one or more time the voice guidance and projection functions are concurrently performed, and when the switch is pushed a fourth time the system is turned off;

a controller for providing control signals, the controller controlling the navigation system to provide a voice guidance function according to a selection of the switch for providing directions to a branch road;

a voice guide providing an audible guide message according to control signals of the controller; and

a projector that projects a directional display on a windshield according to the control signals.

2. A navigation system for an automobile providing information on a position of the automobile, comprising:

a switch that is manipulated by a user to transmit information to select the performance of at least one function selected from the group of voice guidance and projection functions;

a controller for providing control signals, the controller controlling the navigation system to provide a voice guidance function according to a selection of the switch for providing directions to a branch road;

a voice guide providing an audible guide message according to the control signals of the controller; and

a projector that projects a directional display on a windshield when performing the projection function, wherein the directional display blinks at an increasing rate as the automobile gers nearer to the branch road, the directional display remaining lit when the automobile is very near the branch road, and when the automobile has passed the branch road the directional display is turned off for easy discrimination by a user.

3. A navigation system for a vehicle providing directions to a desired road, comprising:

a speaker for generating audible directions for turning on roads for getting to the desired road;

a projector having a light source for generating an illuminated display on a windshield of the vehicle, said light source being activated when the vehicle is approaching a road that the vehicle should turn on for getting to the desired road;

a controller coupled to the speaker and to the projector, wherein the controller generates a signal for activating the speaker and a signal for activating the projector; and

a switch coupled to the controller for selecting at least one of said speaker and projector to be activated.

4. A navigation system as recited in claim 3 wherein the display comprises a pair of indicators wherein when the vehicle should be turned right, one of said indicators is illuminated, and wherein when the vehicle should be turned left the other of said indicators is illuminated.

5. A navigation system as recited in claim 4 wherein the appropriate indicator blinks as the vehicle approaches the road on which it should turn.

6. A navigation system as recited in claim 5 wherein the appropriate indicator blinks at an increasing rate as the vehicle gets closer to the road on which it should turn.

7. A navigation system as recited in claim 5 wherein the appropriate indicator is illuminated when the vehicle is proximate the road on which it should turn.

8. A navigation system as recited in claim 7 wherein the appropriate indicator is turned off when the vehicle passes the road it should turn on.

9. A navigation system as recited in claim 3 wherein the light souce blinks as the vehicle approaching the road on which it should turn.

10. A navigation system as recited in claim 9 wherein the light source blinks at an increasing rate as the vehicle gets closer to the road it should turn on.