초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for determining a route from a source location to a final destination using a vehicle navigation system having a map database. At least one intermediate destination is determined from the map database, each intermediate destination being at the other end of an intermediate route

Method and apparatus for determining a route from a source location to a final destination using a vehicle navigation system having a map database. At least one intermediate destination is determined from the map database, each intermediate destination being at the other end of an intermediate route from the source location. A cost value is calculated for each intermediate destination. A best intermediate destination is selected from the at least one intermediate destination, the cost value corresponding to the best intermediate destination being lower than the cost values corresponding to any other intermediate destinations. The intermediate route corresponding to the best intermediate destination is then communicated to the user of the vehicle navigation system while a remainder route to the final destination is determined.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for determining a route from a source location to a final destination using a vehicle navigation system having a map database, wherein the map database comprises a plurality of roads stored therein, each road having a hierarchy level associated therewith, the sou

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for determining a route from a source location to a final destination using a vehicle navigation system having a map database, wherein the map database comprises a plurality of roads stored therein, each road having a hierarchy level associated therewith, the source location corresponding to a source road having a first hierarchy level, the method comprising the steps of:determining at least one intermediate destination candidate from the map database, each intermediate destination candidate being at one end of an intermediate route from the source location, wherein the step of determining at least one intermediate destination candidate comprises the steps of:exploring possible routes from a first road segment connected to the source location until a connecting road is encountered having a second hierarchy level, the connecting road having an access point associated therewith and the second hierarchy level being greater than the first hierarchy level;designating the access point to the connecting road as the at least one intermediate destination candidate; andrepeating the exploring and designating steps for each road segment connected to the source location;calculating a cost value for each intermediate destination candidate;selecting an intermediate destination, the cost value corresponding to the intermediate destination being lower than the cost values corresponding to any other intermediate destination candidates;communicating the intermediate route corresponding to the intermediate destination to a user of the vehicle navigation system; anddetermining a remainder route to the final destination.