GPS Navigation System

• US 20120253580A1
• Filed: 03/28/2011
• Published: 10/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Khaled Abdullah M. Al-Mahnna
• Original Assignee: Khaled Abdullah M. Al-Mahnna
• Inventors: Al-Mahnna, Khaled Abdullah M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,718,858 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/23
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3602 Input other than that of destination using image analysis, e.g. detection of road signs, lanes, buildings, real preceding vehicles using a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3697 Output of additional, non-guidance related information, e.g. low fuel level G01C21/3679 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0274 using mapping information stored in a memory device navigation using map-matching G01C21/30
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0278 using satellite positioning signals, e.g. GPS

Abstract

A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within sight of a driver and/or navigator. The system comprises and/or consists of a memory module that contains a pre-stored map database including a plurality of locations and a receiver supported within the motor vehicle for receiving signals indicative of the current position of the map. The system also includes a monitor positioned in the position within sight of the driver and/or navigator for displaying the location of the vehicle with the respect to a pre-stored map. Means including the memory module, receiver and said monitor display an area of about ½ km in all direction and up to ½ km to 1 km from the current position of the vehicle. Further, means including a zoom optical system for zooming in and out of the ½ to 1 km radius of the vehicle location on the stored map and means for summoning help to the present location of the vehicle. In addition, radar means for sensing an object that obstructs the projected pathway of the vehicle and a plurality of sensors and running control means perform the auto-drive control running of the vehicle based on the detection of signals from the plurality of sensors wherein said auto-drive control includes speed control, steering and breaking. The system includes a change over means for switching between the auto-drive and manual drive modes.

Claims

1. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the motor vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator, said system comprising:

a memory module that contains a pre-stored map data base that includes a plurality of known locations supported in the vehicle;

a receiver supported within the vehicle and within sight of the driver and/or navigator for receiving signals indicative of the current position of the vehicle;

a monitor for displaying the location of the vehicle with respect to one pre-stored map supported in the vehicle within sight of the driver and/or navigator;

means including said memory module, said receiver and said monitor for displaying an area of about ½

km in all directions from a current position of the vehicle;

a plurality of sensors and running control means for performing auto-drive control running of the vehicle based on detection of signals from said plurality of said sensors; and

change over means for switching between auto-drive and manual drive modes.

2. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 1 which includes means for sensing an object that obstructs the projected pathway of the motor vehicle.

3. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 2 which includes an audible alarm sounded when an object that obstructs the projected pathway of the motor vehicle is sensed.

4. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 3 that includes means for stopping said motor vehicle before reaching the object that obstructs the pathway when said system is in an auto-drive mode.

5. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 4 which includes means for providing an image of the object based on normal photography that obstructs the pathway when said system is on auto-drive mode.

6. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 4 which includes means for providing a thermal image of an obstructing object based on nocturnal photography.

7. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 4 which includes means for summoning help to the present location of the motor vehicle.

8. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 2 in which said means for sensing an object that obstructs the projected pathway of the motor vehicle includes a radar unit.

9. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within the vehicle within sight of a driver and/or navigator according to claim 2 that includes a zoom optical system and means for zooming in and out of said area of about ½

km in all directions of a current location of the vehicle.

10. A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within sight of a driver and/or navigator, said system consisting of the combination of:

a memory module that contains a pre-stored map database that includes a plurality of known locations supported in the vehicle on or in the vicinity of a dashboard;

a receiver supported within the vehicle for receiving signals indicative of the current position of the vehicle;

a monitor positioned in the vehicle within sight of the driver and/or navigator for displaying the location of the vehicle with respect to a pre-stored map;

means including said memory module, said receiver and said monitor for displaying an area of about ½

km in all directions from a current position of the vehicle;

means including a zoom optical system for zooming in and out of said ½

km area of the vehicle location on a stored map;

means for summoning help to the present location of the vehicle;

means for sensing an object that obstructs the pre-projected pathway of the motor vehicle;

a plurality of sensors and running control means for performing audo-drive control running of the vehicle based on detection of signals from said plurality of sensors;

wherein said auto-drive control includes speed control, steering and breaking; and

change over means for switching between the auto-drive and manual drive modes.