Computer method and apparatus for filling in an entry field using geographical proximity and character criteria

A computer implemented method for filling in an entry field, the method comprising:

• generating an initial vicinity list of waypoint identifiers from a database of waypoint identifiers using a reference position and a vicinity term;
• generating a final vicinity list of waypoint identifiers from the initial vicinity list of waypoint identifiers using a search string followed by a character from a set of characters;
• generating an autofill list of waypoint identifiers from the database of waypoint identifiers using the search string followed by a character from the set of characters;
• and
• generating a GeoFill list of waypoint identifiers from a combination of the final vicinity list of waypoint identifiers and the autofill list of waypoint identifiers using the search string followed by a character from the set of characters, the GeoFill list of waypoint identifiers being used to fill in the entry field.

A computer apparatus to fill in an entry field, the apparatus comprising:

• an initial vicinity list generator to generate an initial vicinity list of waypoint identifiers from a database of waypoint identifiers using a reference position and a vicinity term;
• a final vicinity list generator coupled to the initial vicinity generator to generate a final vicinity list of waypoint identifiers from the initial vicinity list of waypoint identifiers using a search string followed by a character from a set of characters;
• an autofill list generator to generate an autofill list of waypoint identifiers from the database of waypoint identifiers using the search string followed by a character from the set of characters;
• and
• a GeoFill list generator coupled to the final vicinity list generator and the autofill list generator to generate a GeoFill list of waypoint identifiers from a combination of the final vicinity list and the autofill using the search string followed by a character from the set of characters, the GeoFill list of waypoint identifiers being used to fill in the entry field.

A computer system to select a navigational waypoint for use, the system comprising:

• a digital processor which executes a set of processes including:
• receiving a partially entered waypoint identifier identifying, in part, a navigational waypoint for use;
• searching for the navigational waypoint for use from amongst a plurality of waypoint identifiers using the partially entered waypoint identifier and a search criterion other than a criterion based on a pre-existing ordering of the plurality of waypoint identifiers;
• completing the partially entered waypoint identifier based on results from the searching, the completed waypoint identifier forming a user-selectable navigational waypoint for use;
• a memory accessible to the digital processor, the memory storing the plurality of waypoint identifiers;
• a data entry device communicatively coupled to the digital processor, the data entry device enabling partially entry of the waypoint identifier;
• and
• a display controlled by the digital processor, the display displaying the formed user-selectable navigational waypoint for use.

An apparatus for selecting a navigational waypoint for use, the apparatus comprising:

• means for receiving a partially entered waypoint identifier identifying, in part, a navigational waypoint for use;
• means for searching for the navigational waypoint for use from amongst a plurality of waypoint identifiers using the partially entered waypoint identifier and a search criterion other than a criterion based on a pre-existing ordering of the plurality of waypoint identifiers;
• and
• means for completing the partially entered waypoint identifier based on results from the means for searching, the completed waypoint identifier forming a user-selectable navigational waypoint for use.