WO2006052119A1

WO2006052119A1 - Navigation system and the method of non contact input type

Info

Publication number: WO2006052119A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/003865
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Dong Yoo; Hyun-Yeop Lee
Original assignee: Softmedia Incorporation
Priority date: 2004-11-15
Filing date: 2005-11-15
Publication date: 2006-05-18
Also published as: KR100492031B1

Abstract

A non-contact input type navigation system and a method of the same are disclosed, in which a key input is not needed, which are implemented by providing a non-contact input type apparatus, in which a key input is not needed, at a conventional navigator which is conventionally installed at a vehicle and has an operation key (including remote controller) for inputting a certain operation command for a search and setting procedure using for a road guide during a running operation and/or a contact input type (touch type) apparatus line a touch screen, so that a destination data can be inputted without an additional complicated operation, and a road guide service can be easily and fast provided, whereby a use and reliability are significantly enhanced.

Description

NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND THE METHOD OF NON

CONTACT INPUT TYPE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a non-contact input type navigation system and a method of the same in which a key input is not needed, and in particular to a non- contact input type navigation system and a method of the same in which a key input is not needed, which are implemented by providing a non-contact input type apparatus, in which a key input is not needed, at a conventional navigator which is conventionally installed at a vehicle and has an operation key (including remote controller) for inputting a certain operation command for a search and setting procedure using for a road guide during a running operation and/or a contact input type (touch type) apparatus line a touch screen, so that a destination data can be inputted without an additional complicated operation, and a road guide service can be easily and fast provided, whereby a use and reliability are significantly enhanced. Background Art

[2] Generally, a navigation system is referred to an apparatus which is designed to provide a vehicle driver, who goes to a non-familiar region, with a destination in¬ formation using a map or voice.

[3] As shown in Figure 1, a conventional navigator includes a display apparatus 14 which receives the current position data of a vehicle from a satellite and displays the data on a screen together with a road map, a control apparatus 13 which includes a mask ROM with at least one navigation program and various programs, and an input apparatus 11 which inputs for operating each apparatus. The above apparatuses are integrated into one apparatus which will be installed at a vehicle.

[4] In the input apparatus of the conventional navigator, the operation command data needed for search, setting, etc. are inputted using an operation key and/or a contact input type (touch type) apparatus like a touch screen.

[5] However, the use of the contact type input (touch type) using the input apparatus is so complicated since the data should be inputted manually using hands based on business type, address, company name, corresponding code, etc. for thereby searching a desired destination. In this case, the time required for inputting the same is extended.

[6] In addition, the operation methods are different from their manufacturing companies. It is impossible to set the destinations except for the places supported by the navigator.

[7] In particular, if it is needed to urgently change the destination during the traveling, the vehicle should be parked in place and then it is needed to input commands for a destination search and path execution resulting many inconveniences.

[8] Recently, a new navigator, which has functions of providing an easier use and faster command input, has been urgently needed due to the above-described problems of the conventional navigator. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a non-contact input type navigation system and a method of the same, which are developed inconsideration with the above problems and requirements.

[10] It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-contact input type navigation system and a method of the same in which a key input is not needed, which are implemented by providing a non-contact input type apparatus, in which a key input is not needed, at a conventional navigator which is conventionally installed at a vehicle and has an operation key (including remote controller) for inputting a certain operation command for a search and setting procedure using for a road guide during a running operation and/or a contact input type (touch type) apparatus line a touch screen, so that a destination data can be inputted without an additional complicated operation, and a road guide service can be easily and fast provided, whereby a use and reliability are significantly enhanced. Technical Solution

[11] To achieve the above objects, in a navigation system which includes a navigator formed of an operation key (including remote controller) provided at a vehicle for inputting a search/setting/operation command used as a road guide during traveling and/or a contact type input apparatus such as a touch screen, there is provided a non- contact input type navigation system which does not need a key input, comprising a navigator body which includes a non-contact type data process apparatus which processes a data so that a central processing unit can recognize and process when an external input of a GPS data is detected; a GPS position data medium in which a GPS position data can be inputted by getting the same closer to the non-contact type data process apparatus; a GPS position data generation unit which converts a GPS position data externally inputted through a certain software into a specific GPS position data; and a web server which is connected with the GPS position data generation unit on the internet and provides a GPS position data.

Advantageous Effects

[12] In the present invention, a non-contact input type apparatus, in which a key input is not needed, is provided at a conventional navigator which is conventionally installed at a vehicle and has an operation key (including remote controller) for inputting a certain operation command for a search and setting procedure using for a road guide during a running operation and/or a contact input type (touch type) apparatus line a touch screen, so that a destination data can be inputted without an additional complicated operation, and a road guide service can be easily and fast provided, whereby a use and reliability are significantly enhanced. Brief Description of the Drawings

[13] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a conventional navigation system;

[14] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware construction according to the present invention;

[15] Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a hardware construction according to the present invention;

[16] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating a business name card construction according to the present invention;

[17] Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating a RFID tag provided in a business name card of Figure 4;

[18] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a proceeding method according to the present invention;

[19] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a detailed proceeding method according to the present invention;

[20] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware construction according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[21] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a hardware construction according to further another embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[22] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[23] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware construction according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a hardware con¬ struction according to the present invention, Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating a business name card construction according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating a RFID tag provided in a business name card of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a proceeding method according to the present invention, Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a detailed proceeding method according to the present invention, Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware con¬ struction according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a hardware construction according to further another embodiment of the present invention.

[24] As shown in Figure 2, in a navigation system which includes a navigator formed of an operation key (including remote controller) provided at a vehicle for inputting a search/setting/operation command used as a road guide during traveling and/or a contact type input apparatus 11 such as a touch screen, there is provided a non-contact input type navigation system which does not need a key input which comprises a navigator body 100 which includes a non-contact type data process apparatus 110 which processes a data so that a central processing unit 12 can recognize and process when an external input of a GPS data is detected; a GPS position data medium 200 in which a GPS position data can be inputted by getting the same closer to the non- contact type data process apparatus 110; a GPS position data generation unit 300 which converts a GPS position data externally inputted through a certain software into a specific GPS position data; and a web server 400 which is connected with the GPS position data generation unit 300 on the internet and provides a GPS position data.

[25] For reference, the GPS position data includes all kinds of data such as a map data as well as a voice and character data.

[26] The construction of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3.

[27] First, a non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100 is formed of a read/write possible RFID read/write unit 111, with the navigator body 100 being provided with an interface so as to interface with the non-contact type data process apparatus 110.

[28] Here, the RFID read/write unit 111 included an interface 112 which connects with a navigator 10, a memory 13 which stores data, a controller 114 which processes data, and a RF module 115 which performs a RF communication with a GPS position data medium 200.

[29] In addition, the GPS position data medium 200 is a business name card 200 which includes a RFID tag 210.

[30] As shown in Figure 4, a RFID tag 210 is attached to a surface of the business name card 200 or is integrated into the same. As shown in Figure 5, the RFID tag 210 includes a RF module 211 which transmits or receives data to/from the RFID read/ write unit, a microchip 220 which includes a memory 212 for storing a GPS position data, and a controller 213 which controls an operation of the RF module 211 and an input and output of the memory.

[31] For reference, the RFID tag 210 is connected with an antenna 214 for a receipt and transmission of a RF signal and is provided with a protection plate 215 so as to prevent any damages when the business name card is bent. [32] In addition, the GPS position data generation unit 300 includes a memory 310 which is connected with a web server 400 based on a user's operation and stores a GPS position data which is selectively transmitted, an internet-based communication terminal 300 which includes an application software 320 for converting a GPS position data stored in the memory 310 into a GPS position data that the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 can detect and recognize, and a non-contact type data process apparatus 330 which records the GPS position data generated based on interface with the communication terminal 300 into the GPS position data medium 200 based on the non-contact method.

[33] Here, the communication terminal 300 is all kinds of terminals such as a computer,

PDA, cellular phone, etc. which can communicate based on a wired or wireless method. The memory 310 is a memory, hardware or movable recording apparatus (CD-ROM, USB), and the application software is a self-manufactured software which is activated by the communication terminal 300 and converts the GPS position data stored in the memory into a specific GPS position data. The non-contact type data process apparatus 330 is a read/write possible RFID read/write unit 331.

[34] The RFID read/write unit 331 includes an interfaced 332 which connects with the communication terminal 300', a memory 333 which stores data, a controller 334 which processes data, and a RF module 335 which RF-communicates with the GPS position data medium 200.

[35] As shown in Figure 3, in the present invention, with the above construction, a user is connected with the web server 400 through the communication terminal 300 and searches a GPS position data in the database, and selects a GPS position data of a desired destination. The web server 400 transmits the selected GPS position data to the communication terminal 300' and the transmitted GPS position data are stored in the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300'.

[36] For reference, the connection and download system and method are known in the art, so that the description of the same will be omitted for simplification.

[37] In a state that the data are stored in the memory 310, the application software 320 is activated. A specific GPS position data is created. A communication with the RFID read/write unit 331 is performed using a RFID API software through the interface API which is one of the application programs.

[38] As the communication between the communication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 331 is performed, the user allows the GPS position data medium 200 to get closer to the RFID read/write unit 331, so that the GPS position data is transmitted and stored in the memory 212 provided in the RFID tag 210 of the GPS position data medium 200.

[39] In this state, in case that the user wants to search a destination corresponding to the GPS position data, the data of the destination are transferred to the central processing unit of the navigator 10 through the RFID read/write unit 111 as the GPS position data stored in the business name card 200 gets closer to the RFID read/write unit 111 which is the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100, so that a desired navigation is performed.

[40] The GPS position data stored in the movable recording apparatus such as a CD-

ROM, USB, etc. may be loaded and stored into the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300'.

[41] The proceeding method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figure 6, in a method for inputting a path into a navigator installed at a vehicle, there is provided a non-contact type data input method which does not need a key input, comprising a GPS position data generation step SlOO in which a GPS position data is generated by a GPS position data generation unit 300; a GPS position data medium recording step S200 in which the non-contact type data process apparatus 330 of the GPS position data generation unit 300 transmits the generated GPS position data to the GPS position data medium 200 and stores therein; and a GPS position data input step S300 in which the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100 detects and recognizes the GPS position data recorded in the GPS position data medium 200 and inputs into the navigator 10 for thereby performing a navigation function.

[42] The above method will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7.

[43] First, the user is connected with the web server 400 using the communication terminal 300' with the web server providing the GPS position data, and searches the GPS position data in the database and selects a GPS position data of a desired destination. The web server 400 transmits the selected GPS position data to the com¬ munication terminal 300' and the transmitted GPS position data are stored in the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300'.

[44] Here, since the internet connection and download system and method are known in the art, the detailed descriptions of the same will be omitted. Namely, the above download method is the same as conventional download method.

[45] The GPS position data generation step SlOO according to the present invention includes a GPS position data process step Sl 10 in which a user is connected with the internet using a communication terminal 300 and is connected with a web server 400 which provides a GPS position data, and the user searches a GPS position data on the database and selects a GPS position data of a desired destination, and the web server 400 transmits the selected GPS position data to the communication terminal 300' and the transmitted GPS position data is stored in the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300' and when the application software 320 is driven in a state that the GPS position data is stored in the memory 310, the GPS position data having a specific program is converted into a certain format, and the GPS position data is generated; a RFID read/write unit connection step S 120 in which the communication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 331 are connected using a RFID API software through an interface API which is an application program so that the GPS position data converted into a certain format is transmitted to the RFID read/write unit 331 for thereby achieving a data transmission; a GPS position data storing step S 130 in which when the communication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 331 are connected, the controller 334 of the RFID read/write unit 331 stores the GPS position data into the memory 333; and a GPS position data transmission step S 140 in which when the com¬ munication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 330 are connected, and the GPS position data is transmitted to the memory 342 of the RFID read/write unit 330 and is stored therein, the controller 334 of the RFID read/write unit 331 transmits the GPS position data to the outside through the RF module 335.

[46] The GPS position data medium recording step S200 includes a GPS position data receiving step S210 in which in a state that the GPS position data is transmitted from the RFID read/write unit 331, when the user gets the RFID read/write unit 330 closer to the business name card 200' the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated into the business name card 200 is received through the RF module 211; and a GPS position data storing step S220 in which the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated into the business name card 200' stores the received GPS position data into the memory 212.

[47] The GPS position data input step S300 includes a GPS position data receiving step

S310 of the RFID read/write unit in which in a state that the GPS position data is stored in the business name card 200 when a user wants to check the destination position, when the user gets the business name card 200' closer to the RFID read/write unit 111 which is the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100, the controller 114 of the RFID read/write unit 111 receives the GPS position data transmitted by the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated in the business name card 200' through the RF module 115; a GPS position data storing step S320 in which the controller 114 of the RFID read/write unit 111 stores the received GPS position data into the memory 113 in the RFID read/write unit; and a GPS position data transmission step S330 in which the controller 114 transmits the GPS position data transmitted to and stored in the RFID read/write unit to the navigator through the interface 112.

[48] Thereafter, the navigator 10 performs the navigation operation step in which the data are read, the GPS position data are set, and the destination path is computed and displayed.

[49] In the present invention, the user of the present invention can be fast provided with a road guide service by allowing the user to input the destination data without an additional complicated procedure using the key button (including remote controller) and touch screen of the navigator.

[50] Namely, the present invention is basically directed to overcoming the problems that when searching the destination, the data are manually inputted by the business type, address, company name, corresponding code, etc., and the time for inputting the data is extended. In addition, the uses of the navigators, which have different operation methods, are significantly enhanced. In particular, when the destination is needed to change during the traveling, it is very easy to input the GPS position data so as to change the destination.

[51] The construction and method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be modified into various modes based on the user's trend. The following is another embodiment of the present invention.

[52] As shown in Figure 8, the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100 is formed of a bar code recognition unit 111-1, and the GPS position data medium 200 is formed of a sticker 210-1 printed with bar codes, and the non-contact type data process apparatus 330 of the GPS position data generation unit 300 is formed of a bar code printer 331-1.

[53] In this embodiment of the present invention, the expensive semiconductor chip of the RF tag 210 is excluded from the GPS position data medium 200, so that the cost saving effect can be achieved, and it is possible to obtain a desired best mode of the present invention.

[54] As shown in Figure 9, in the non-contact data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100, a graphic code recognition camera 111-2 may be provided and may include a converter which recognizes graphics and converts into digital signals. The GPS position data medium 200 may be provided with a sticker 210-2 printed with graphic codes, and the non-contact type data process apparatus 330 of the GPS position data generation unit 300 may be provided with the graphic code printer 331-2. Industrial Applicability

[55] Since the expensive semiconductor chip of the RF tag 210 is excluded from the

GPS position data medium 200, it is possible to achieve a cost saving effect, so that the best mode of the present invention can be obtained.As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described examples are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] In a navigation system which includes a navigator formed of an operation key

(including remote controller) provided at a vehicle for inputting a search/ setting/operation command used as a road guide during traveling and/or a contact type input apparatus 11 such as a touch screen, a non-contact input type navigation system which does not need a key input, comprising: a navigator body 100 which includes a non-contact type data process apparatus 110 which processes a data so that a central processing unit 12 can recognize and process when an external input of a GPS data is detected; a GPS position data medium 200 in which a GPS position data can be inputted by getting the same closer to the non-contact type data process apparatus 110; a GPS position data generation unit 300 which converts a GPS position data externally inputted through a certain software into a specific GPS position data; and a web server 400 which is connected with the GPS position data generation unit 300 on the internet and provides a GPS position data.

[2] The system of claim 1, wherein said non-contact type data process unit 110 of the navigator body 100 is a read/write possible FRID read/write unit 111.

[3] The system of claim 1, wherein said RFID read/write unit 111 includes an interface 112 which connects the navigator 10, a memory 112 which stores data, a controller 114 which processes data, and a RF module 115 which performs a RF communication with the GPS position data medium 200.

[4] The system of claim 1, wherein said GPS position data medium 200 is a business name card 200' with a RFID tag 210.

[5] The system of claim 4, wherein a RFID tag 210 is attached to a surface of the business name card 200 or is integrated into the same, and said RFID tag 210 includes a RF module 211 which transmits and receives data with the RFID read/ write unit, a microchip 220 having a memory 212 for storing a GPS position data therein, and a controller 213 which controls an operation of the RF module 211 and an input and output of the memory.

[6] The system of claim 1, wherein said GPS position data generation unit 300 includes a memory 310 which stores a GPS position data selectively inputted when connected with a web server 400 on the internet based on a user's operation, an internet possible communication terminal 300 having an ap¬ plication program 320 capable of converting the GPS position data stored in the memory 310 into a GPS position data that the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 can detect and recognize, and a non-contact type data process apparatus 330 which is interfaced with the communication terminal 300' and stores the generated GPS position data into the GPS position data medium 200 based on a non-contact method.

[7] The system of claim 6, wherein said communication terminal 300 is a computer.

[8] The system of claim 6, wherein said non-contact data process apparatus 330 is a read/write possible RFID read/write unit 331.

[9] The system of claim 8, wherein said RFID read/write unit 331 includes an interface 332 which connects with the communication terminal 300, a memory 333 which stores data, a controller 334 which processes data, and a RF module 335 which allows a RF communication with the GPS position data medium 200.

[10] In a method for inputting a path into a navigator installed at a vehicle, a non- contact type data input method which does not need a key input, comprising: a GPS position data generation step SlOO in which a GPS position data is generated by a GPS position data generation unit 300; a GPS position data medium recording step S200 in which the non-contact type data process apparatus 330 of the GPS position data generation unit 300 transmits the generated GPS position data to the GPS position data medium 200 and stores therein; and a GPS position data input step S300 in which the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100 detects and recognizes the GPS position data recorded in the GPS position data medium 200 and inputs into the navigator 10 for thereby performing a navigation function.

[11] The method of claim 10, wherein said GPS position data generation step SlOO includes: a GPS position data process step Sl 10 in which a user is connected with the internet using a communication terminal 300 and is connected with a web server 400 which provides a GPS position data, and the user searches a GPS position data on the database and selects a GPS position data of a desired destination, and the web server 400 transmits the selected GPS position data to the com¬ munication terminal 300' and the transmitted GPS position data is stored in the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300' and when the application software 320 is driven in a state that the GPS position data is stored in the memory 310, the GPS position data having a specific program is converted into a certain format, and the GPS position data is generated; a RFID read/write unit connection step S 120 in which the communication term inal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 331 are connected using a RFID API software through an interface API which is an application program so that the GPS position data converted into a certain format is transmitted to the RFID read/write unit 331 for thereby achieving a data transmission; a GPS position data storing step S 130 in which when the communication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 331 are connected, the controller 334 of the RFID read/write unit 331 stores the GPS position data into the memory

333; and a GPS position data transmission step S 140 in which when the communication terminal 300 and the RFID read/write unit 330 are connected, and the GPS position data is transmitted to the memory 342 of the RFID read/write unit 330 and is stored therein, the controller 334 of the RFID read/write unit 331 transmits the GPS position data to the outside through the RF module 335.

[12] The method of claim 10, wherein in said GPS position data process step Sl 10, the GPS position data stored in the movable recording apparatus is directly loaded and stored in the memory 310 of the communication terminal 300'.

[13] The method of claim 10, wherein said GPS position data medium recording step

S200 includes: a GPS position data receiving step S210 in which in a state that the GPS position data is transmitted from the RFID read/write unit 331, when the user gets the RFID read/write unit 330 closer to the business name card 200', the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated into the business name card 200' is received through the RF module 211; and a GPS position data storing step S220 in which the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated into the business name card 200 stores the received GPS position data into the memory 212.

[14] The method of claim 10, wherein said GPS position data input step S300 includes: a GPS position data receiving step S310 of the RFID read/write unit in which in a state that the GPS position data is stored in the business name card 200 when a user wants to check the destination position, when the user gets the business name card 200 closer to the RFID read/write unit 111 which is the non-contact type data process apparatus 110 of the navigator body 100, the controller 114 of the RFID read/write unit 111 receives the GPS position data transmitted by the controller 213 of the RF tag 210 integrated in the business name card 200' through the RF module 115; a GPS position data storing step S320 in which the controller 114 of the RFID read/write unit 111 stores the received GPS position data into the memory 113 in the RFID read/write unit; and a GPS position data transmission step S330 in which the controller 114 transmits the GPS position data transmitted to and stored in the RFID read/write unit to the navigator through the interface 112.