Method and apparatus for navigation using a portable communication device

An apparatus for navigation using a portable communication device in a communication network, comprising:

• a memory for storing map and route date;
• and
• a controller that receives a route planning request from a caller, receives the caller's current position from the portable communication device, receives route data inputs including a route destination from the caller, checks dynamic traffic and road condition data from a real-time traffic data source, determines the caller's planned route based on the received caller's current position, traffic and road condition data and the caller's route data inputs, and outputs the planned route to the caller through the portable communication device while the caller is enroute to the destination, wherein the controller prompts the caller to confirm if the planned route is acceptable, and if the caller indicates that the planned route is unacceptable, the controller changes the planned route by one of an automatic change or using the caller's inputted change.

An apparatus for navigation using a portable communication device in a communication network, comprising:

• a memory for storing map and route date;
• and
• a controller that receives a route planning request from a caller, receives the caller's current position from the portable communication device, receives route data inputs including a route destination from the caller, checks dynamic traffic and road condition data from a real-time traffic data source, determines the caller's planned route based on the received caller's current position, traffic and road condition data and the caller's route data inputs, and outputs the planned route to the caller through the portable communication device while the caller is enroute to the destination, wherein the controller prompts the caller to confirm if the planned route is acceptable, and if the caller indicates that the planned route is unacceptable, the controller changes the planned route by one of an automatic change or using the caller's inputted change, and wherein the controller continuously monitors traffic and road condition data from the real-time traffic data source, and provides the caller with updated traffic information based on information received from the real-time traffic source.

An apparatus for navigation using a portable communication device in a communication network, comprising:

• a memory for storing map and route date;
• and
• a controller that receives a route planning request from a caller, receives the caller's current position from the portable communication device, receives route data inputs including a route destination from the caller, checks dynamic traffic and road condition data from a real-time traffic data source, determines the caller's planned route based on the received caller's current position, traffic and road condition data and the caller's route data inputs, and outputs the planned route to the caller through the portable communication device while the caller is enroute to the destination, and wherein the controller provides the caller with a warning prior to a planned turn in the route and the warning includes traffic lane information.

An apparatus for navigation using a portable communication device in a communication network, comprising:

• a memory for storing map and route date;
• and
• a controller that receives a route planning request from a caller, receives the caller's current position from the portable communication device, receives route data inputs including a route destination from the caller, checks dynamic traffic and road condition data from a real-time traffic data source, determines the caller's planned route based on the received caller's current position, traffic and road condition data and the caller's route data inputs, and outputs the planned route to the caller through the portable communication device while the caller is enroute to the destination, and wherein the controller provides a direct link to 911 emergency system, and provides the caller's positional information to emergency personnel in the 911 emergency system upon the caller's request.