Map display for a navigation system

#The present invention relates to displaying map information on a portable computing device.

#Various kinds of systems and applications are available that provide persons with useful information while traveling. For example, navigation systems installed in vehicles provide useful information to vehicle drivers and passengers, including information for finding desired destinations, as well as guidance for following routes to desired destinations. Similar features are available on portable (e.g., handheld) devices. These types of portable devices include personal navigation systems (PNSs), which are portable devices designed specifically to provide navigation and/or map-related features, such as destination searches, routing and/or map display. These types of portable devices also include general purpose devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), on which are installed navigation and/or map-related applications. These types of portable devices can be used in vehicles, but can also be carried by pedestrians or by persons using other modes of transportation, such as trains, boats, and so on.

#A continuing consideration associated with providing navigation and/or map information on portable devices is making the information easy to understand, given the relatively small size of the display. Portable devices, such as personal navigation systems and personal digital assistants, have relatively small display screens compared to desktop computers, notebook computers or even in-vehicle navigation systems. Therefore, efficient utilization of available display screen resources can be a factor when providing navigation and/or map related features on a portable device.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a front side of a portable navigation system that includes a first embodiment of the disclosed system and method.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the portable navigation system in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 illustrates the portable navigation system of FIG. 1 with the display showing a map image of the area around the current position of the portable navigation system.

#FIG. 1 shows a portable navigation system 10. The portable navigation system 10 is a combination of hardware and software components. The portable navigation system 10 includes a self-contained power source, such as a battery (not shown). The portable navigation system 10 has a size and weight so that it can easily be carried by a person. The portable navigation system 10 may be designed primarily for navigation purposes, or alternatively, the portable navigation system 10 may be a general purpose device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), on which navigation application software is installed.

#Embodiments of the portable navigation system may be used with mounting hardware so that the portable navigation system may be temporarily or permanently mounted in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile. The mounting hardware may allow the portable navigation system to be removable so that it can be either mounted and used in a vehicle or removed and carried by a person.

#The portable navigation system 10 includes a user interface 14. The user interface 14 includes a means for receiving input from a user and a means for conveying information to the user. In this embodiment, the user interface 14 of the portable navigation system 10 includes a display 18 and a speaker 22. The user interface 14 also includes an input panel 26 that includes a keypad, buttons, a toggle, or other means by which a user can manually provide input commands or other information. The user interface of the portable navigation system 10 may also include a microphone and appropriate speech recognition technology that enables a user to enter information verbally. The user interface 14 of the portable navigation system 10 may also include a touch screen and/or stylus. Other types of user interface technology may also be used.