Navigation system for a vehicle

• US 7,571,042 B2
• Filed: 11/06/2007
• Issued: 08/04/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Taylor, David W., McCarthy, Kevin C., Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jeanglaud; Gertrude Arthur
• Application Number:
  US11/935,800
• Publication Number:
  US 20080183355A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 701 23- 26, 701/49, 701207-211, 701/213, 701/215, 340/461, 342/357.06, 342/357.09, 359/839, 362/459, 362/494
• US Class Current: 701/49
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/976 massaging systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/006 indicating risk of collision between vehicles or with pedestrians
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/207 using multi-purpose displays, e.g. camera image and navigation or video on same display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/301 combining image information with other obstacle sensor information, e.g. using RADAR/LIDAR/SONAR sensors for estimating risk of collision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 : specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 : Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/862 : Combination of radar systems with sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/865 : Combination of radar systems with lidar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/867 : Combination of radar systems with cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30252 : Vehicle exterior; Vicinity of vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 5/80 : Geometric correction
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/58 : Recognition of moving objects or obstacles, e.g. vehicles or pedestrians; Recognition of traffic objects, e.g. traffic signs, traffic lights or roads
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 : Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/265 : Mixing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A navigation system for a vehicle includes a control and a global positioning system. The control may receive a user input and may download directional information from an external service provider to the control in response to the user input and an initial geographic position of the vehicle. The directional information may comprise at least two instructions coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location. The control may provide an output corresponding to each of the instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle. The control may provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with the instruction. Driver instructions may be provided audibly and/or may be displayed on a display screen visible to the driver, preferably at an interior mirror assembly of the vehicle.

Claims

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

a control in the vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the vehicle and the external service provider;

a global positioning system, said global positioning system determining a geographic position of the vehicle;

said control receiving a user input from a driver of the vehicle and responsive thereto, said control establishing said wireless communication link between the vehicle and the external service provider, driving instruction information from the external service provider being downloaded to said control via said wireless communication link, said downloaded driving instruction information comprising a plurality of data for instructing the driver how to drive from an initial location to a destination location;

said control downloading said driving instruction information from the external service provider during a first period of time and while the wireless communication link is established between said control and the external service provider, said control comprising memory for storing said driving instruction information for providing said driving instruction information to the driver of the vehicle after the communication link between said control and the external service provider is disconnected; and

said control providing said driving instruction information to the driver of the vehicle in a step-by-step manner, with at least some of said driving instruction steps being provided to the driver of the vehicle after the communication link between said control and the external service provider is disconnected, said control providing said driving instruction information over a second period of time, said second period of time being greater than said first period of time.

2. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said driving instruction information comprises at least two instructions with each of said at least two instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, said control being operable to provide an output corresponding to each of said at least two instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle determined by said global positioning system, said control being operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with said each instruction.

3. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said control comprises, at least in part, an element of a vehicular telematics system.

4. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said control comprises, at least in part, an element of a portable accessory in the vehicle.

5. The navigation system of claim 4, wherein said portable accessory in the vehicle comprises at least one of a portable phone, a portable navigation device and a personal digital assistant.

6. The navigation system of claim 1 further comprising an interior rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a transflective reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion, said reflective element comprising a transflective mirror reflector, said reflective element being at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at said rear portion of said reflective element, and wherein said navigation system comprises an information display device disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said information display device emitting light when actuated that passes through said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective mirror element.

7. The navigation system of claim 6, wherein said information display device comprises a liquid crystal display element that is back lit by at least one white light emitting light emitting diode.

8. The navigation system of claim 6, wherein said information display device exhibits a display intensity as viewed by the driver viewing through said front portion of at least about 400 candelas per square meter.

9. The navigation system of claim 6, wherein said information display device comprises a back lit liquid crystal display element and wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

10. The navigation system of claim 9, wherein said information display device is operable to display at least one of textural information, graphical information, icon information and video information.

11. The navigation system of claim 6, wherein step-by-step driving instructions are displayed by said information display device.

12. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein step-by-step driving instructions are provided in the vehicle as an audible message.

13. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said control receives a vocal input from the driver of the vehicle.

14. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein said control provides an alert to the driver when the actual geographic position of the vehicle, as determined by said global positioning system, is not where it should be.

15. The navigation system of claim 1 further comprising a seat adjustment system, said seat adjustment system being operable to automatically adjust a seat of the vehicle in response to biometric data received via a data input, said biometric data pertaining to the occupant of the seat of the vehicle.

16. The navigation system of claim 15, wherein said data input comprises at least one of (i) a memory device, (ii) a remote source, (iii) an input device, (iv) a communication link, and (v) a portable device.

17. The navigation system of claim 15, wherein an interior rearview mirror assembly adjusts in response to biometric data received via a data input.

18. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein a camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at or near the rear of the vehicle and wherein, upon the driver of the vehicle selecting a reverse gear of the vehicle, a video output of said camera is displayed by a video information display device at an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle.

19. A navigation system for a vehicle, said navigation system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a transflective reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion, said reflective element comprising a transflective mirror reflector, said reflective element being at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at said rear portion of said reflective element;

an information display device disposed to the rear of said rear portion of said reflective element, said information display device emitting light when actuated that passes through said transflective reflector of said reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing said front portion of said reflective mirror element;

wherein said information display device comprises a back lit liquid crystal display element and wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said information display device exhibits a display intensity of at least about 400 candelas per square meter as viewed by the driver viewing through said front portion of said reflective element; and

wherein driving instruction information is displayed by said information display device in accordance with a determination of the geographic location of the vehicle by a global positioning system.

20. The navigation system of claim 19, wherein said driving instruction information comprises at least two instructions with each of said at least two instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, a control being operable to provide an output corresponding to each of said at least two instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle determined by said global positioning system, said control being operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with said each instruction.

21. The navigation system of claim 19, wherein said driving instruction information is provided to the driver of the vehicle in a step-by-step manner.

22. The navigation system of claim 19, wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes.

23. The navigation system of claim 22, wherein a camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at or near the rear of the vehicle and wherein, upon the driver of the vehicle selecting a reverse gear of the vehicle, a video output of said camera is displayed by said information display device at said interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle.

24. A navigation system for a vehicle, said navigation system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion, said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;

an information display device disposed at said rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said information display device comprises a back lit liquid crystal display element and wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said information display device exhibits a display intensity of at least about 400 candelas per square meter as viewed by the driver;

wherein driving instruction information is displayed by said information display device in accordance with a determination of the geographic location of the vehicle by a global positioning system; and

wherein a camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at or near the rear of the vehicle and wherein, upon the driver of the vehicle selecting a reverse gear of the vehicle, a video output of said camera is displayed by said information display device at said interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle.

25. The navigation system of claim 24, wherein said driving instruction information comprises at least two instructions with each of said at least two instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, a control being operable to provide an output corresponding to each of said at least two instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle determined by said global positioning system, said control being operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with said each instruction.

26. The navigation system of claim 24, wherein said driving instruction information is provided to the driver of the vehicle in a step-by-step manner.

27. The navigation system of claim 26, wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes.

28. A navigation system for a vehicle, said navigation system comprising:

an interior rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element having a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle, and having a rear portion that is generally opposite said front portion, said reflective element comprising a mirror reflector;

an information display device disposed at said rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said information display device comprises a back lit liquid crystal display element and wherein said liquid crystal display element is back lit by a plurality of white tight emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said information display device exhibits a display intensity of at least about 400 candelas per square meter as viewed by the driver;

wherein driving instruction information is displayed by said information display device in accordance with a determination of the geographic location of the vehicle by a global positioning system; and

wherein said driving instruction information comprises at least two instructions with each of said at least two instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, a control being operable to provide an output corresponding to each of said at least two instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle determined by said global positioning system, said control being operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with said each instruction.