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`
`US0066338l1B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`(10) Patent Nn.:
`US 6,633,811 B1
`Aumayer
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*()et. 14, 2003
`
`(54) ME’I'HOD OF AUTOMATICALLY
`ADJUSTING A VEHICLE SPEED DISPLAY
`ACCORDING TO VEHICLE LOCATION
`
`672001 Thakker
`6,246,948 B1 *
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMFINTS
`
`701793
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`
`32 03 357 A1
`37 09 552 Al
`44 30 169 A1
`196 15 249 Al
`298 20 659 U]
`
`8‘-’l9S3
`7/1983
`271996
`10,3997
`7'.-'2(3(l(3
`
`(')"I'IlF.l-1 PUBLICATIONS
`
`Prof. DR.—~lNG. Claus Reuber: “Verl<ebr:stelematik: Noetiw
`ger Donn .lE..” Elektronik 24,4997, pp. 64-67.
`Patent Abstracts of Japan 07482598 of Jul. 21, 1995.
`Patent Abstracts of Japan 11—268554 Oct, 5, 1999.
`Patent Abstracts of Japan 11415546 of Apr. 27, 1999.
`Patent Abstracts of Japan 1l—142.l9(l of May 28, 1999.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Exa'mt'ner—Tan Nguyen
`Assistant Examiner—Dalena Tran
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Micl1ael J. Striker
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`The method for displaying speed variables in a motor
`vehicle includes automatically selecting and displaying one
`of a number of different possible speed scales on a speed-
`ometer according to the physical units [or speed values
`employed at the current location of the vehicle. An acoustic
`andfor optical alann signal is produced when the vehicle
`passes from one governmental region in which one set of
`physical units is used to another in which a dilferent set is
`used. In addition, speed limits at the current location may be
`displayed on the speed scale itself by highlighting an appro-
`priate scale mark or producing a scale mark of a diflerent
`length or color. The current location may be obtained from
`an on-board GPS. The speed limits and physical units for
`speed values at the current location are retrieved from a data
`storage media according to that location. The speed limits
`may be updated by radio connection. Digital display devices
`for speed values with similar features are disclosed.
`
`43 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Richard Aumayer,Diekho]2en (DE)
`
`(73) Assignce: Robert Bosch Gmbfl, Stuttgart (DE)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d}, and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`1 54(a)(2).
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. '15-’l(b} by 0 days.
`
`(21; App]. No; 99/692,605
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct.19,2ti00
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Oct. 19, 1999
`(DE) ....................................... .. 199 50 L56
`
`(52) U.S. CI.
`
`(51)
`
`int. Cl.’
`
`GOSG H09; B600 U54;
`BISIL 27700
`7817207; 701/93; 701F110;
`180/170
`7017207, 268,
`(58) Field of Search
`
`701,633,130, 200, 117, I21, 213; 1237351,‘
`1801170, 171; 3407539, 441, 905, 936
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1972 Campbell
`3,656,099 A *
`S,/1972 Keller et al.
`3,686,528 A *
`5,364,047 A * 1171994 Petil et ai.
`5,412,573 A ’“
`571995 Barnea el al.
`5,485,161 A “ H1996 Vaughn .......
`5,731,978 A *
`371993 Tainai et al
`6,163,277 A " 1272000 Gchlot
`
`.
`
`
`
`...... 340,162
`3=l(J}'53
`. 246,"12R
`3641449
`342357
`.. 364J'444.1
`3407905
`
`REGION
`DETERMINAWGN
`
`
`REGEON
`ADJUSTMENT
`
`CHANGED’? ‘ OF" DISPLAY
`N
`VEHlCLE
`{N BORDER
`ZONE?
`
`
`
`SET '18?
`PAUSE TlME
`
`
`
`
`
`SE1 2ND
`PAUSE TlME
`
`
`
`PAUSE,
`RESTART
`
`
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 0:4
`
`Us 6,633,811 B1
`
`FIG. 161
`
`FIG. 1b
`
`FIND VEHICLE
`POSITION
`
`11
`
`LOCATE POSITION 12
`ON DIGETAL MAP
`
`
`
`DETERMINE REGiON
`FROM MAP POSITION
`
`REGION
`DETERMJNATION '
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VEHICLE
`IN BORDER
`ZONE?
`
`SET 1ST
`PAUSE TIME
`
`
`SET 2ND
`PAUSE TIME
`
`
`
`
`FIND UNITS AND
`SPEED LIMETS FOR
`
`GIVEN REGEON
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ADJUSTMENT
`OF SPEED VALUES
`REQUiRED
`?
`
`
`
`CHANGE SPEED
`VALUES
`
`3
`
`GENETE
`WARMNG SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct.14, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 0:4
`
`Us 6,633,811 B1
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 .. 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`out. 14, 2093
`
`Sheet 3 of4
`
`US 6,633,811 B1
`
`134
`
`137
`
`FIG 20
`
`104
`
` 135
`
`103
`
`101
`
`102
`
`108
`
`FIG. 2d
`
`
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 4
`
`

`
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`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 5
`
`
`

`
`US 6,633,811 B1
`
`1
`METHOD OF /\UTOMA'I‘IC.r\L{.Y
`ADJUSTING A VEHICLE SPEED DISPLAY
`ACCORDING TO VEHICLE LOCATION
`
`BACKGROUM) (ll-‘ 'l‘Hl:I !NVEN'l’l(')N
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a method of automatically
`adjusting displayed data, especially vehicle speed data, in a
`vehicle with a combined instrument and, more particularly,
`to a method of displaying vehicle speed information in a
`vehicle that takes account of ch angcs in vehicle location and
`speed variable units between regions in which the vehicle is
`travels.
`2. Prior Art
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2
`
`c) identifying a region, such as state, country or city area.
`in which the current actual position is located on the
`- digital map; and
`d) displaying automatically on a display device at least
`one of an actual current speed of the vehicle and
`allowed speed limits in the region for at least one type
`of road or street in physical units used in the region
`identified in step c).
`The method according to the invention with the features
`of the appended claims has the advantage that the driver is
`always informed regarding the actual vehicle speed, without
`requiring him or her to select between speed scale values in
`two ditfcrcnt physical units. Because of this feature of the
`invention it
`is easy for the driver to react to traffic signs,
`which indicate speed limits. The actual speed of the vehicle
`is then always displayed by the display device with the
`physical units for speed that are user! in the region or area in
`which the vehicle is is currently located. Furthermore in
`preferred embodiments of the method the driver is informed
`of the optimum maximum speed for certain street or road
`types in the region through which the vehicle is traveling.
`Irritation of the driver caused by display of a maximum
`speed or speed limit on the speed scale which is in units that
`are not used in the region in which the vehicle is located is
`therefore avoided. Furthermore the claimed method is
`advantageous for the manufacture of speed display devices
`used in the vehicle, sinoe dilferent display devices are not
`required to provide country-specific speed units and
`Ct)11nlr}’-:ipt:ClilC speed limits for dilferent countries. l)ilTcr-
`eut speed physical units and speed limits are automatically
`displayed with the same display device. coupled with cg. a
`global positioning device.
`Preferred embodiments of the method with advantageous
`additional features are described hcreinhelow and claimed in
`the appended claims.
`it is especially advantageous if an acoustic and/or optical
`warning signal is produced when the display of the actual
`vehicle speed andfor the speed limits or inaxirnum allowed
`speed values changes. The user of the vehicle is thus
`signaled that he should now consider another speed limit
`andior other physical units being used in the region in which
`the vehicle is now currently located. Furthermore the Wam-
`ing signal avoids a sudden and unexpected change of the
`speed display that could otherwise confuse the driver.
`It is further provided in preferred cmbodirncnts of the
`method that the display of the actual vehicle speed andfor the
`allowed maximum speed values occurs in a display device
`that comprises it freely programmable combined ill.‘-i»l.l'lil‘£'lL‘l‘ll.
`This combined instrument advantageously comprises a dis-
`play screen so that the method according to the invention can
`be performed without mechanical or structural
`arrangements, for example not a speedometer with at pointer,
`with which speed values are indicated.
`Preferred ernhodirnents of the method according to the
`invention also advantageously include updating the speed
`lirnit data stored in the vehicle by means of a radio connec-
`tion of by means of a data carrier. Then since allowed
`maximum speed values can change in certain region or also
`the position of region boundaries can change,
`it
`is also
`possible to update stored data in order to permit the display
`of the correct speed limiLs.
`In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the
`invention whether or not a region houndary has been L‘t“t)f-Lstztl
`by the vehicle is tested more frequently in a border zone for
`the region than in the central part of the region. When the
`vehicle is locatcd within the region in an area outside of the
`border zone, passing over the region border or boundary is
`
`It is already well known to display the actual speed of a
`vehicle and with it the maximum speed for many localities,
`for example 50 km;’hr, on a display device in the vehicle.
`This display occurs, e.g. by a red mark or a red bar, which
`is put on the scale of the display device, so that the speed
`scale value of 50 kmyhr is specially marked for a user of the
`vehicle. Furthermore it is possible to provide special mark-
`ings on the vehicle speed scale at certain special vehicle
`speed values, such as a maximum speed of 38 km/hr in
`residential areas or of 130 kmihr as posted or recomntended
`speed on the autobahn in Germany or on an expressway. If
`the user of the vehicle now drives the vehicle into a different
`country, generally different values are used for the speed
`limits for the various classes of roads and streets in the
`dilfercnt country. Furthermore even the physical units of the
`speed limits, which are posted on signs, may he dilicrcnt,
`For example, speed limits may be in miles per hour instead
`of kilometers per hour. Thus it becomes dillicult for the user
`of the vehicle to correlate the actual speed of the vehicle
`with the allowed speed limits. Primarily the speed limits
`from the country in which the vehicle originated or from
`which the vehicle traveled remain emphasized on the display
`device and can irritate the driver of the vehicle, since they
`are no longer applicable. l-'urthcn*norc it is also known in the
`art to provide a speed scale on the display device in several
`dilfcrent physical units, for example miles per hour and
`kilometers per hour. The user of the vehicle must
`then
`determine-the actual speed value indicated on the display
`device by selecting the correct physical units based on his
`knowledge of the region in which the vehicle is located.
`Furthermore he may be irritated by marked speed limits on
`the display device that are not applicable to the region in
`which the vehicle
`currently located. This is also true when
`there is no change in the physical units by which speed .
`values are displayed but only a change in the allowed
`maximum speed limits.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4U
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
`of automatically adjusting vehicle speed values displayed in
`a vehicle according to vehicle location,
`i.e. according the
`particular governmental region or country through which the
`vehicle is currently traveling.
`According to the invention the method of displaying
`speed information in a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle,
`includes the steps of:
`a) determining a current actual position of the vehicle
`with a positioning device;
`locating the current actual position of the vehicle
`determined in step 3) on a digital map;
`
`b)
`
`60
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 6
`
`

`
`US 6,633,811 B1
`
`3
`very unlikely in a certain predetermined time interval. A
`frequent test or inquiry into whether or not the vehicle has
`crossed over the region boundary is thus not required and
`takes unnecessary processor capacity when the vehicle is
`located in the central part of the region. in contrast a region
`change is much more likely in a border zone of the region
`in which the vehicle is currently located, so that more
`frequent testing to determine which region the vehicle is
`located in is required. According to this preferred embodi-
`ment of the invention then the change of the display of the
`actual vehicle speed and region speed limits is possible more
`rapidly in response to :1 change of the region in which the
`vehicle is located.
`It
`is also advantageous when the display of the actual
`vehicle speed andfor the speed limits occurs according to the
`type, conditions and characteristics of the vehicle. Tints
`ditfcrent maximum permit ted speeds can be displayed by the
`display device according to the vehicle weight, engine size
`and trailer operation, so that the vehicle is not driven too fast
`by the driver.
`Furthermore in a preferred embodiment of the method the
`driver is informed of the speed limit for the type of road or
`street on which the vehicle is currently traveling. 'I‘hu.s the
`driver does not need to make a decision regarding the type
`or class of the street or road on which the vehicle is traveling
`currently ltimsclfor hcrselfin order to know the speed limit.
`I! is advantageous particularly to provide the acoustic
`andior optical warning signal to the driver as soon as he or
`she exceed‘.-: the current maximum permitted speed in the
`region through which the vehicle is passing. Because of this
`feature of the method unintended spending at speeds above
`the speed limit because the driver does not observe the speed
`display device is prevented.
`
`HRIISF l)ESCl{ll"I‘l0N OF THE DRAWING
`
`The objects, feantrcs and advantages of the invention will
`now be illustrated in more detail with the aid of the follow-
`ing description of the preferred embodiments, with reference
`to the accompanying figures in which:
`FIG. 1a is a flow chart of the overall or general steps of
`the method according to the invention for display of speed
`information in a vehicle;
`FIG. lb is a flow chart showing details of a vehicle
`position detennining part of the method sltown in FIG. 1a
`according to the invention;
`FIG. in is a How chart showing details of the display
`device adjustment part of the method shown in Fig. la,‘
`FIGS. 211, 2b. 2c and 2d an: action views of a display
`device illustrating the method according to the invention for
`display of speed information in the vehicle; and
`HG. 3 is ll block diagram of a device for performing the
`method according to the invention for display of speed
`information in a vehicle.
`
`IJESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBOIJIMENTS
`
`One embodiment of a method for display of speed infor-
`mation in rt vehicle is shown in FIG. 1a. The region or area
`in which the vehicle is located is determined in locating step
`1. This region or area can be, for example, a state, a country
`or a city or metropolitan region, in which respective prede-
`termined speed limits exist for corresponding road or street
`types. Furthermore, parts of the region or area may have
`special speed limits. for example the so-calicd tcmpo~30-
`zones or work zones. A first decision step 2 occurs following
`
`4
`the locating step 1. Whether or not the vehicle has crossed
`the boundary of the region or area in which the last test was
`performed is tested in the first decision step 2. If the vehicle
`has crossed a region boundary or if there is no current region
`or area in memory, for example, if it is the first time that the
`method according to the invention is being perlormed, the
`method branches to adjustment step 3. Art adjustment of the
`display device for display of the actual vehicle speed artdfor
`the allowed speed limits occurs in the adjustment step 3.
`After the adjustment step 3 the method proceeds or branches
`to a second decision step 4. Like the first decision step 2 the
`second decision step 4 branches according to whether or not
`the region boundaries in which the vehicle is traveling have
`been crossed. With the aid of the position of the vehicle
`determined in the locating step 1 in the second decision step
`4 whether or not the vehicle is in a boundary zone of the
`region or area is determined. If that
`is the case, then the
`method branches to the method Step 5. In the method step 5
`at first time interval (pause) is established, after which the
`method according to the invention is restarted the next time.
`This first
`time interval
`is dependent on the size of the
`boundary zone and the average speed of the vehicle passing
`through it. Since a vehicle navigation device performs the
`locating step 1 and also the navigation process for the driver
`of the vehicle, the cntirc process according to the invention
`can frequently also be performed by this device, when the
`vehicle navigation requires frequent position determination.
`When it is established in the second decision step that the
`vehicle is not located in a boundary 10730 of the region, a
`second time interval or pause is set up in step 6 which is
`greater than the first time interval. For a vehicle, which e. g.
`moves outside of a strip of 15 km from the boundary,
`performing the method according to the invention after at
`second time interval of about 15 minutes is suflicient for the
`purpose of adjusting the display device. Within a boundary
`zone of 15 ldlonteters, e.g. is testing after it first time interval
`of about one minute is sulficient. After the first method step
`5 and the second method step 6 the method ends with the halt
`or a pause and restart after the previously set up first andlor
`second time interval in step 7.
`The locating step 1 is shown in further detail in FIG. 1b.
`For example, a GPS locating device and/or a composition
`navigate device determines the geograpltic position of the
`vehicle in a first position-determining step 11, e.g. {rum GPS
`satellite signals. in a second position-locating step 12 this
`determined vehicle position is located on a digital map or
`chart that includes region boundaries, which is present in the
`memory in the vehicle. Finally the region in which the
`vehicle is located is determined from the position of the
`vehicle located on the digital map in a regiouwdetermining
`step I3. 'l'hcn the particular physical units for speed values
`and speed limits for that region are retrieved or otherwise
`obtained.
`
`H3
`
`D-\U:
`
`30
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`45
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`U:U
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`60
`
`The display adjustment 3 performed in the method
`according to the invention is shown in more detail in FIG.
`lc. Data regarding the vehicle, such as weight, engine size
`or whether or not a trailer is attached, are transmitted in a
`first step 31. The physical units for speed values and the
`speed lirnits for dilferent classes of roads or streets in the
`region in which the vehicle is located are determined in at
`second step 32, considering the vehicle data transmitted in
`the first step. The physical units for speed values and the
`speed limits are stored in a memory unit in the vehicle. lo a
`third step 33, a decision step, whether or not a current
`. adjustment of the actual displayed vehicle speeds or the
`speed limits is required is tested. If an adjustment
`is
`required,
`the representation of the speed in the display
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 7
`
`

`
`5
`device in the appropriate physical units is changed into the
`appropriate physical units in step 34. Moreover at least one
`maximum speed is displayed in the display device, which is
`the speed limit for a particular type of street or road, so that
`e.g. the maximum permitted speed is 50 kmfltr in places in
`Germany. Subsequently a warning or signaling step 35
`occurs. By acoustic or optical warning the driver is advised
`that
`the display of the actual vehicle speed aridjor
`the
`allowed maximum speed for at least one road class has
`changed. The driver might otlierwise be confused by a
`sudden change of the display without warning. This is
`avoided by including the warning step 35 in the method
`according to the invention. After the warning step 35 the
`method branches or proceeds to the decision step 4 shown in
`FIG. 1 a. Since the second decision step is already shown in
`FIG. In, it is only indicated with dashed lines in FIG. 1c. The
`second decision step 4 is also reached from the third decision
`step 33 when no changes in the display are required.
`Aspccd display device 101 in a motor vehicle including
`a speedoeter is shown in FIG. 2a. A first scale 103 with
`scale values 104 and first scale marks or divisions 106 are
`shown on the display 101 in FIG. 2a. Only one scale value
`10 104 and one first scale division 106 are designated with
`respective reference numbers in F16. 2:: for convenience
`and simplicity. A second scale mark 107 is especially
`emphasized by melting it
`longer and wider than the first
`scale marl.-s 106. Furthermore for that purpose the scale
`mark 10? can be in at different color, for example red, yellow
`or orange, from the color of the scale marks 106, which e.g.
`can be white, as the sole emphasizing means or as at
`highlighting means.
`The display of speed values on the first scale 103 occurs
`by means ofn pointer or band 182, which can move over the
`entire first scale 103. Aphysical unit indicator 108 shows the
`physical units for the speeds indicated by means of the
`pointer 102. For example,
`the indicated unit could he
`“kmfhr’“’. Afirst maximum speed or speed limit symbol 105
`is also displayed on the display device 101. A driver of the
`vehicle is informed of the speed limit of St) kmlhr both by
`the second scale mark 107 and by the first speed limit
`symbol 105. The display of the second scale mark 107 and
`the llrst speed limit symbol 105 can occur pen-nanently in a
`region in which a maximum speed or speed limit of5U kmihr
`exists for a particular class of streets, c.g. all inner city
`streets. Thus it
`is completely possible to designate the
`maximttm posted speed by an additional display or blending
`in of a symbol not shown in the figures for “city” or
`“localiIy"', so that it is apparent for the directly that the street
`class “inner city” streets are designated. Furthermore it. is
`also possible that then only one type of display occurs when _
`the vehicle is located in a closed built-up region and the
`maximum speed there is 56 kin/hr. This type at‘ display is
`also possible for other road or street classes, thus e.g. for an
`express way or limited access high-speed highway.
`Different views of the display device 1-01 are shown in
`FIGS. 21') to 2d. The respective views differ from that of FIG.
`2r: according to the method of the invention, but the same
`reference characters for the same elements.
`The displace device 101 shown in FIG. 2b is in a state in
`which the physical units for the speed of the vehicle have
`changed to miles per hour since the vehicle has moved to a
`region in which those units are used. Furthermore now the
`speed limit in this area is 30 mph for the inner city. A second
`scale 113 with scale values 114 and first scale mark 116 as
`well as a second scale mark 117 is now shown on the display
`device (which of course is dillerent from the first scale
`shown in FIG. In because of the change of units). The
`
`35
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`40
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`60
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`US 6,633,811 B1
`
`‘ID
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`15
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`23
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`6
`second scale mark 117 is now located on an appropriate
`place on the second scale 113. The unit symbol “mph” is
`now displayed in the physical unit indicator 108. Further-
`more a warning symbol 115 is observable in the display
`device 101, which notifies the driver of the change in the
`illustrated variables on the display device 101. After a
`predetermined time, e.g. after about
`five minutes,
`the
`method assumes that the driver has been made aware ofthe
`change and thus the warning symbol is then turned off.
`The display device 101 shown in FIG. 2c displays a speed
`limit of 80 km/hr since according to FIG. 2a a change in the
`region has taken place. The physical unit indicator 108 in
`this case remains unchanged from that in FIG. 2:1. Asecond
`speed limit symbol 135 and a second scale value 134
`however are now displayed. Furthermore a second scale
`mark 137 appears at a suitable location in the first scale 103.
`In addition to the change of the display device a warning
`tone or sound is produced which signals the driver that the
`speed limit has changed as a result of the cltange of the
`region in which the vehicle is located.
`A third scale 124 with a first scale mark 127 and an
`associated first scale value 128 is shown on the display
`device 101 in F1G.2a‘..Furthermorc a second scale value 124
`and an associated second scale mark 127 are highlighted or
`emphasized, for example, by use of a color for them that is
`different from that used for the remainder of the display
`device, by enlargement anti,-'or by widening them. A trailer
`symbol 129 is also visible in the display device 191. Atrailer
`would be dclccltzd when the vehicle data was tested and the
`display device 101 would then indicate the trailer symbol
`129. The third scale 123 would be adjusted, especially in
`regard to the scale values of the third scale, in this embodi-
`ment to a now current speed limit of 81} kmfhr. The speed
`limit is highlighted or emphasized by the second scale mark
`127. The expansion of the scale provides the user with an
`improved readability for reading the actual vehicle speed.
`The scale expansion is permitted since the vehicle with the
`trailer most probably does not exceed the maximum permit-
`ted speed by about more than twice. A suitable change in a
`display device, as is shown in FIG. 2d, can then occur when
`the regions change. This change in the display device occurs
`when the vehicle moves from one region, in which there is
`no special speed limit provided for a vehicle with a trailer,
`e.g. within work area, in which the speed limit is the same
`for all vehicle, e.g. l0 km/hr to 25 km./ltr, into a region, in
`which a special speed limit is provided for a vehicle with a
`trailer:
`
`if the highlighted or emphasized speed as shown in FIGS.
`2a to 2d is exceeded, thus an optical andfor acoustic warning
`can be generated for the driver, considering predetermined
`speed tolerance limits.
`An apparatus for performing the method according to the
`invention is shown in FIG. 3. Avehicle locating device 201
`comprises a vehicle position determining device 202, which
`evaluates data which it receives via a first radio antenna 204
`or by means of vehicle sensors Zllfi. The position determin-
`ing device 202 preferably is at least temporarily connected
`with GPS satellites by means of the first radio antenna 2&4.
`Furtltcnnorc the locating device 1131 is connected with a
`main processor 283, a memory 207, a data storage means
`drive 208 and a second radio antenna 205. The locating
`device 201 is also connected with a display device 211 by a
`display processor 209 for the displayed information. The
`display processor 209 for the displayed information is also
`connected to a loud speaker 212.
`'i'ht: locating dcvicr: 201 can c.g. be part of a navigation
`system, which is already present in a vehicle and need not
`
`Garmin International, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 8
`
`

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`7
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`US 6,633,811 B1
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`8
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`10
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`15
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`be additionally installed for the method according to the
`invention. The position determining unit 202 calculates the
`current geographic position of the vehicle from the data
`provided by the GPS satellites, which the locating device
`201 receives via the firs! radio antenna 204. The region or
`area (having the same predetermined speed limits and/or
`physical units for speed values) is delcnnincd from the
`current geographic position of the vehicle by means of a
`digital map. The digital map correlates respective geo-
`graphic positions with corresponding rcgions or areas and is
`stored in the rnernory207. The memory 207 can similarly be
`a hard disk or a CD drive. The main processor 203 now
`determines the data, which are relevant for the speed display
`device, by means of vehicle sensors 206. For example,
`besides the actual vehicle speed, whether or not a trailer is
`attached, whether or not fog lights are lit and whether or not
`chains are being used are also relevant data. If these latter
`conditions exist, special speed limits for the vehicle are
`provided. Furthermore the main procewor 203 determines
`which physical units are used for the vehicle speed values
`from the location of the vehicle on the digital map. Further-
`more the main processor 203 determines the speed limits for
`the individual classes of streets and roads in the region in
`which the vehicle is located, i.e. the speed limits for the
`express way or freeway, high speed highway. country road, _
`residential street or inner city street. The vehicle data
`received from the vehicle sensors 206 are considered. These
`data are input to the display processor 209, which especially
`controls the display device 21]. When a change of the
`rlisplay occurs, an acoustic Warning is generated by means
`of the loud speaker 212. The display device 211 now may
`show a changed speed scale, changed scale values, changed
`physical units as well as additional wa rning symbols and/or
`speed limit symbols. The display device 211 comprises a
`display controller and a display medittrn, for example a
`display screen provided by a liquid crystal display device, a
`plasma screen or a cathode ray tube. The embodiments with
`the display screen permit a very simple change of the display
`by means ofthc method according to the invention, since the
`display device 211 only needs to show a dilferent image in
`the display screen.
`is also possible to use a commercial
`Furthermore it
`combined apparatus with mechanical display elements for
`the display device 211. The control of the pointer 102 must
`then be adjusted to the suitable physical units shown in the
`physical unit indicator 108. The physical units are shown in
`a small display device or by a characteristic illuminated
`symbol held in the primary display device. For example, a
`speed limit can be made visible by background lighting in a
`dillcreut color at the scale mark associated with the corre-
`sponding speed limit. Warning symbols anrlfor speed limit
`symbols can be displayed by means of a plurality of indi-
`vidually controllable symbol fields on the display device.
`'llie speed limit data stored in the memory 207 may be
`updated by means of the second radio connection 205, so .
`that a driver is not given incorrect information. It is also
`possible to update the speed limit information by means of
`a data carrier or storage medium, such as CD. This data
`carrier would be inserted in a data carrier drive 208. It would
`store actual information regarding the latest allowed speed
`limits in various regions, including the physical units for the
`speed limit values. For the situation in which it is not
`possible to determine the vehicle location, for example when
`it
`is inside of a parking garage, the display device 209
`displays inforrnation from the display that occurred at
`the
`last time when it was possible to determine the location of
`the vehicle.
`
`The term “regi0n" means an area of the earth having
`governmeulaliy defined boundaries over which the vehicle
`may travel and in which at
`least the gov-erntnentally pre-
`scribed physical units of speed values are the same and in
`preferred embodiments the speed limits on the same type of
`streets or roads are the same.
`
`The disclosure in German Patent Application 199 50
`156.4—51 of Oct. 19, 1999 is incorporated here by reference.
`This German Patent Application describes the invention
`described hereiuabove and claimed in the claims appended
`hereittbelow and provides the basis for a claim ol'priorily for
`the instant invention under 35 U.S.C. 119.
`While the invention has been illustrated and described as
`embodied in a method of automatically adjusting a vehicle
`speed display according to vehicle location, it is not intended
`to be limited to the details shown, since various modifica-
`tions and changes may be made without departing in any
`way from the spirit of the present invention.
`Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
`the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
`current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
`without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior
`art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
`specific aspects of this invention.
`What is claimed is new and is set forth in the following
`appended claims.
`I claim:
`
`1. A method of displaying speed information in a vehicle,
`said method comprising the steps ol‘:
`a} providing in the vehicle a display device for displaying
`vchiclc speeds in one Ufa plurality ul'dill'crcnl physical
`units for speed values and means for automatically
`selecting the one of the dilfcrcnt physical units used to
`display said vehicle speeds on said display device;
`b) determining a current actual position of the vehicle
`with a positioning device located in the vehicle;
`c) locating the current actual position of the vehicle
`determined in step a} on a digital map, said digital map
`covering a plurality of governmental regions, said
`physical units remaining the sam