Navigation system with automatic change of data medium

• US 6,438,489 B1
• Filed: 10/04/2000
• Issued: 08/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Greif, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/678,135
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 701/201, 701/202, 701/209, 701/211, 340/995
• US Class Current: 701/209
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3446 Details of route searching algorithms, e.g. Dijkstra, A*, arc-flags, using precalculated routes
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/38 Electronic maps specially adapted for navigation; Updating thereof

Abstract

A navigation system for journeys beyond national borders in which the data medium needs to be changed includes a reader designed to hold a plurality of changeable data media and to read data selectively from one of the data media. The navigation system also includes means for selecting a data medium on the basis of the vehicle position. Hence, when a national border is crossed, the navigation system will automatically change the data medium, which means that continuous navigation is ensured without any action from the user.

Claims

1. A navigation system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a processor operatively arranged for calculating a route between a starting location and a destination;

a reader connected to said processor for reading map data from a data medium, said reader operatively arranged for holding a plurality of changeable data media and reading selectively from one of the plural changeable media, wherein said processor comprises means for calculating the route using at least two databases stored on separate data media in said reader;

means for determining a vehicle position, said means for determining being connected to said processor;

an input unit connected to said processor operatively arranged for allowing user input of the starting location and the destination;

an output unit connected to said processor; and

means for selecting one of the plural changeable data media in response to a vehicle position determined by said means for determining a vehicle position.

2. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein the plural changeable data media comprise CD-ROMs and said reader comprises a CD changer.

3. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said reader is connected to said processor via a radio interface.

4. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said output unit comprises at least one of an audio output unit and a visual output unit.

5. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said input unit comprises a voice input unit.

6. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said processor is connectable to an appliance for receiving traffic information and for taking the traffic information into account during calculation of the route.

7. The navigation system of claim 1, further comprising an appliance for receiving traffic information, wherein said appliance is connected to said processor and said processor is operatively arranged for taking the traffic information into account during calculation of the route.

8. The navigation system of claim 7, wherein said appliance comprises a car radio.

9. The navigation system of claim 7, wherein said appliance comprises a mobile radio.