FOR LIMITED-ACCESS VEHICLES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/930,299, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosure relates a navigation system for a vehicle, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to automation of systems for navigating and configuring limited access vehicles.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] People rely on a variety of computing devices to obtain computer-generated driving directions and other navigation assistance, including standalone personal computing devices and integrated computing devices that are included in, for example, a vehicle. Such devices are generally referred to as Personal Navigation Assistants (PNAs), and may also be referred to as Personal Navigation Devices or Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs). These devices combine a location and positioning capability, such as global positioning system (GPS) software and hardware, and navigation functions that may guide a user to a destination, which may be an address or a point of interest. As an example, a PNA may function by receiving a destination from a user, determining the user's current location using a GPS, accessing a map and determining a route from the current location to the destination, and guiding the user to the location, either by showing a user their current location relative to a highlighted route on a map or by giving the user turn-by -turn instructions in an audio, visual, or audio-visual format.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of providing navigation instructions, the method including receiving a navigation request from a user of a personal navigation assistant (PNA), the navigation request specifying a destination, accessing a GPS system to determine a location of the user, accessing a selected rules database to retrieve a set of rules that corresponds to the determined location and a vehicle of the user, the set of rules determining whether a street is accessible or inaccessible by the vehicle, determining whether the destination is accessible from the location of the user, and providing directions to the destination to the user.

[0005] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a personal navigation system including a personal navigation assistant (PNA) having GPS capability, a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and an input-output system, the input-output system operable to receive a navigation request from a user of a PNA, the navigation request specifying a destination, a rules database having a plurality of rules, each of the plurality of rules being specific to a jurisdiction, and a route selection engine, the route selection engine operable to determine whether the destination is accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on a set of rules received from the rules database.

[0006] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a limited- access vehicle including a power source, a drive system, a control system, and a navigation system, wherein the navigation system having GPS capability, a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and an input-output system, the input-output system operable to receive a navigation request from a user of the limited-access vehicle, the navigation request specifying a destination, wherein the navigation system is operable to access a rules database having a plurality of rules, each of the plurality of rules being specific to a jurisdiction, and to determine whether the destination is accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on a set of rules received from the rules database.

[0007] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a vehicle including a drive system configured to move the vehicle and provide direction, a power source configured to provide power to the drive system, a navigation system configured to receive rule information from a rules database, destination information from a personal navigation assistant (PNA), and positioning information from a positioning system, generate routing information based on the rule information, destination information, and the positioning information, and a control system that is configured to receive the routing information and instruct the power source and drive system.

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the one or more exemplary embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that includes a vehicle and a navigation system that is operable to select a route from a user's location to a destination that follows only roads on which the vehicle is legally permitted to operate, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a map displayed on a visual display of the navigation system of FIG. 1 in which the user is directed to follow accessible roads from the current location to the destination;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for initiating a vehicle or other system that includes the navigation system of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for selecting and displaying a route to a user that may be executed by a route selection engine, such as the route selection engine shown in FIG. 1 ; and

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for querying a rules database and updating a control system of a vehicle to implement vehicle limitations applicable to the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is located, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] While the invention is described herein by way of example for several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims.

[0016] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0017] A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is a type of battery-powered electric vehicle that is permitted to drive on many roads, depending on state regulations, but is typically limited by law to roads with low speed limits. For example, in many states, NEVs are restricted by law to streets having posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less. In the United States, NEVs fall under the United States Department of Transportation classification for low-speed vehicles. A typical NEV is powered by a battery that may be charged by, for example, connecting the battery to a battery charger that is plugged into an electrical outlet. NEVs may also be characterized by a low curb weight. Like the United States, other countries are understood to have similar rules and regulations for LSVs (as defined below) and NEVs. [0018] Similar to a NEV, a low-speed vehicle (LSV) is another class of vehicles that, while not limited to having electric power, is typically limited to a top speed of around twenty-five miles per hour. LSVs and NEVs may operate under similar legal and regulatory restrictions that allow them to access a variety of roads having relatively low speed limits. As referenced herein, either a LSV or a NEV may be referred to as a limited-access vehicle. [0019] Regulations pertaining to NEVs and LSVs, and the streets on which they are legally permitted to drive may vary by jurisdiction, and those jurisdictions may be impacted by NEV and LSV regulations as defined by municipal, county, state and federal law. For example, state laws may establish that such vehicles are legally permitted to drive only on low-speed streets, thereby restricting the vehicles from driving on high-speed thoroughfares such as freeways and highways. Further, some cities or counties may implement laws that are more constraining than state laws. For example, state laws may permit LSVs to operate on roads having a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less, while a city ordinance (within the state) may limit the vehicles to roads having a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. In any case, NEV and LSV users may only be able to use their vehicles to access destinations that are not separated from their community by high-speed roads that are deemed inaccessible by applicable law. [0020] Additionally, NEVs and LSVs may also be limited by other properties of roads other than posted speed limits for those roads. For example, road conditions, road design, and temporary closures may also impede the ability of NEVs and LSVs to access a particular street. Specifically, the incline of a particular road, the presence of ice or snow on the road, a temporary closure due to construction, a parade, block party, etc. may also deem an otherwise legally accessible road inaccessible to NEVs and LSVs.

[0021] One or more embodiments in the present disclosure relate to a navigation system that assists vehicle operators, such as NEV and LSV operators, to enhance use of their vehicles by allowing them to quickly determine how to access a variety of destinations that are legally and physically accessible to them. By way of example, the following disclosure discusses the use of a navigation system to enhance the use of a NEV, yet it is noted that the systems and methods described herein are applicable to similar vehicles, such as LSVs and other vehicles that are restricted from accessing certain streets, such as, for example, high-speed

thoroughfares. The disclosed systems and methods may also provide users with an option of whether to use their vehicle to get to the destination, or to use their vehicle to get to a waypoint, and an alternative mode of transportation, such as a bus or train, to get from the waypoint to the destination. As referenced herein, a waypoint is a stopping point along a route to the specified destination. A waypoint may include a transfer point where a user may park their vehicle and switch to another form of transportation or an intermediate destination that the user desires to visit on the way to the specified destination. [0022] The ability to use a NEV as a relatively complete mode of transportation may be valuable to segments of the population that are not permitted to, or have difficulty operating an automobile. For example, a person who is disabled may be able to safely operate a NEV at low speeds to access a wide variety of destinations, which may facilitate a more independent lifestyle without the need to rely on automobiles and other modes of transportation to accomplish simple day-to-day events, like going to grocery stores and meeting with friends for social events.

[0023] According to an illustrative embodiment, a method of providing navigation instructions includes receiving a navigation request from a user of a personal navigation assistant (PNA), the navigation request specifying a destination. The method may also include accessing a GPS system to determine a location of the user, selecting a rules database based on the determined location and the vehicle of the user, and accessing the selected rules database to retrieve a set of rules, the set of rules determining whether a street is accessible or inaccessible. In addition, the method may include determining whether the destination is accessible from the location of the user; and providing directions to the location to the user.

[0024] In an embodiment, the operation of providing directions to the location may be based upon whether the destination is determined to be accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on the application of a set of rules to a map. The operation of determining whether the destination is accessible may include determining whether there is a route from the user's location to the destination that consists of accessible streets. If such a determination is made then the route may be generated with would provide an accessible path along which the user could reach the selected destination. As referenced herein, an accessible street is understood to be a street on which the user's vehicle is legally permitted to drive. Further, an accessible street may be further defined as not only be legally permitted to be driven on, but also avoiding any physical constraints that would limit the ability to travel along the street. Similarly, a destination or location may be determined to be accessible if the destination or location can be accessed from a driver's present location by traveling only on accessible streets. [0025] Further, in some exemplary embodiments, a destination location may not be deemed accessible unless the shortest route to the location is within the range of the used vehicle in consideration of the maximum distance the vehicle may travel on a full charge, or using only the energy presently stored in the battery of the vehicle when the accessibility determination is made. Further, the calculation may take into consideration providing sufficient charge to allow the vehicle to reach a charge station from the desired location to avoid getting stranded at the destination or when attempting to travel away from the destination later. Additionally, the calculation may also account for battery drain in a stopped state as well as taking into account environmental conditions such as temperature, incline, or vehicle weight load, which may increase or decrease the rate of possible battery drain. The calculation can also use stored battery usage information from previous trips to account for vehicle and battery age and ware, and depending on the amount of information, projections could be provided to help calculating route range. Further, if more than one accessible path exists, a route may be selected using the efficiency data from previous routes traveled and based on the projections from that data collected on those similar trips.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method may also include displaying a map to a user that includes at least one first area that is determined to be accessible to the user and at least one second area that is determined not to be accessible to the user. A number of visual cues may be used to indicate whether an area is accessible or not. For example, an inaccessible area may be highlighted relative to an inaccessible area, or an inaccessible area may be displayed less clearly than the accessible area, either by blurring, reducing backlight, graying out, adjusting colors, superimposing words or designs, or blacking out the inaccessible area. In addition, one or more boundaries may be depicted to clearly indicate which thoroughfares separate the accessible areas from the inaccessible areas.

[0027] In an embodiment, the destination may be specified by the user as a point of interest rather than an address. As referenced herein, a point of interest may be a place having certain characteristics, such as a type of restaurant, a type of store, a park or public facility having certain features, or other characteristics. In such an embodiment, an alternative destination database may be accessed to offer a user a selection of alternative destinations having one or more characteristics of the specified destination if the destination is determined to be in an inaccessible area. In such an embodiment, the user may be prompted by, for example, a visual display that indicates that the specified destination is inaccessible, and provides the user with the option to select an alternative destination that is accessible. The user may speak a visual command to select the alternative destination or touch an area of the visual display to select the alternative destination, and once the alternative destination is selected, the specified destination may be replaced by the alternative destination, and the user may be provided with navigation assistance to the alternative destination.

[0028] In another embodiment, the alternative destination database may relate more primarily to waypoints that may be desirable to a user. For example, in the case of an electric vehicle, charging stations within the accessible area of a map may be displayed to a user as optional waypoints in case the user desires to charge their vehicle and extend their range. To facilitate the functionality of suggesting or locating potential waypoints, the disclosed navigation system may include a network connector that communicates with public networks and designated private networks, which may include remote servers and databases that include information regarding potential suggested waypoints, such as charging stations, public restrooms, parks, convenience stores, medical facilities, and similar locations. In an embodiment, the navigation system may be configured to scrape the aforementioned information relating to suggested waypoints along or near a selected route by scraping the information from public sources, such as social networks on the Internet or other publicly available Internet servers.

[0029] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a portion of a user interface 1 14 which may be a video display, such as a touch-screen display. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of display in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, showing shows a map 200 that has been analyzed using the systems and methods described in more detail below.

[0030] To provide the navigation assistance summarized above, an illustrative system may include a personal navigation assistant having GPS capability, a memory 110, a processor 104, a transceiver, and an input-output system, is described with regard to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system that includes a vehicle 10, which may be a user-driven or automatically-drive vehicle. As referenced herein, an automatically-driven vehicle may be a self-driven vehicle that includes a control system 20 that is coupled to a drive system 30 of the vehicle 10 to cause the vehicle 10 to accelerate, decelerate, reverse, and turn in any direction to carry a user to a destination. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 also includes a power supply 40, which may be a battery, or series of batteries that are used to power the control system 20 and, in the case of an electric vehicle, to the drive system 30. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a self-driven vehicle, such as a NEV. [0031] The vehicle 10 includes a navigation system 100 that includes a PNA 102, which may be a standalone PNA that is coupled to the control system via, for example, a wired or wireless communicative coupling, such as a USB cable, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, or any other suitable communicative coupling. Examples of such standalone devices include mobile phones, personal computers (including laptops, notebooks, and tablets), and handheld GPS units. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, however, the PNA 102 is an integrated device that is included in the navigation system 100 of the vehicle 10. [0032] The PNA system 102 may include an onboard power supply 108 and one or more processors 104 that are coupled to a memory 1 10 via an input-output interface 106, or bridge. The PNA system 102 further includes a network interface 114 coupled to the input-output interface 106, and one or more user interface devices 114, which may include a microphone, a keyboard or keypad, a video display, a touch-screen display, a speaker, any other suitable input-output device, or any combination of the foregoing. The PNA system 102 may be implemented using a single instance of a system, as shown in FIG. 1, or using multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up a PNA system 102 that is configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of a PNA system 102 that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

[0033] The memory 1 10 may be configured to store program instructions and/or other data to be made accessible to the processor 104. The memory 1 10 may be any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In other embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from memory 110 or PNA system 102. Such a computer-accessible medium may include storage media or memory media such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or CD/DVD-ROM coupled to the PNA system 102 via input-output interface 106. Program instructions and data stored via such a computer-accessible medium may be transmitted by any suitable wired or wireless communication medium.

[0034] As referenced herein, program instructions are generally understood to be a sequence of operations or similar processes used to obtain a desired result. Such operations or processes typically involve physical manipulation of, for example, electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. With regard to execution of program instructions, including the processes described herein, the words "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining" and similar terms refer to actions or processes of a specific computing apparatus, such as a specialized computing device. Such computing devices are generally capable of manipulating the aforementioned electrical or magnetic signals within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices. [0035] The input-output interface 106 may be configured to coordinate communication between the processor 104, memory 1 10, and any peripheral devices, including, for example, the network connector 116 and user interface devices 1 14. The input-output interface 106 may coordinate such communications using any suitable protocol, timing or other data

transformations to convert data signals from one element into a format suitable for use by another element. For example, the input-output interface 106 may include support for devices attached through Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In an embodiment, all or part of the functionality of the input- output interface 106, such as an interface to the memory 1 10, may be incorporated into the processor 104.

[0036] The PNA system may also include a GPS transceiver 1 12 that communicates with an external GPS network 130 to transmit and receive location data that indicates the location of the PNA 102, and by association, the vehicle 10.

[0037] The network connector 116 may be to exchange data between the PNA system 102 and external devices and data sources over any suitable communications medium, including, for example, a cellular network, a WiFi network, or any other suitable network. In an

embodiment, the network connector 1 16 may also facilitate communication between nodes of a PNA system 102 that are distributed across multiple devices. In an embodiment, the network connector 116 may also facilitate communication between a remote route selection engine 140 and rules database 150, which may be hosted on a remote computer or server. In other embodiments, one or both of the route selection engine 140 and rules database 150 may be integrated into the PNA system 100 or vehicle 10.

[0038] In an embodiment, the route selection engine 140 may, in response to an entry of a destination, select a route to the destination based on data received from the rules database 150, and provide navigation instructions from the user's current location to the destination. The route selection engine 140 may be implemented by a non-transitory, computer readable storage medium and one or more processors (e.g., CPUs and/or GPUs) of a computing apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium may store program instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the computing apparatus to, in response to the entry of the destination, select a route based on data received from the rules database 150, and provide navigation instructions from the user's current location to the destination. Other embodiments of the route selection engine 140 may be at least partially implemented by hardware circuitry and/or firmware stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory. [0039] In an embodiment, the rules database 150 may be a proprietary database that specifies the applicable regulations and laws for the jurisdiction in which the user is located in the type of vehicle being operated by the user. The rules database may be configured to receive automatic updates in the event of a change in law or change in vehicle compatibility. In an embodiment, the rules database 150 may be hosted on a remote server and accessed over a wired or wireless network or, for example, by accessing the Internet. In another embodiment, the rules database may be stored on a storage medium that resides within the vehicle. In another embodiment, the rules database may be distributed across multiple locations, with portions of the database stored across, for example, multiple servers or storage media (including the storage medium that resides within the vehicle).

[0040] The memory 1 10 may include program instructions that enable the processor 104 to execute the navigation-related processes described herein, and data storage for tracking navigation history, including location information for previously-accessed destinations and waypoints. [0041] The schematic vehicle 10 and navigation system 100 described with regard to FIG. 1 are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the vehicles, navigation systems, and related methods described herein. More particularly, it is noted that the PNA system 102 and other devices may include any combination of hardware or software that performs the indicated functions, including a computer, personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, network device, internet appliance, PDA, wireless phones, pagers, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated elements may be combined in fewer elements or distributed in additional elements. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated elements may not be provided and other additional functionality may be made available to a user.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from the navigation system 100 may be transmitted to navigation system 100 via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer- accessible medium. Accordingly, the functionality described herein may be practiced with other suitable system configurations.

[0043] In an illustrative embodiment, the navigation system 100 includes a PNA 102 having a GPS transceiver 1 12, a memory 1 10, at least one processor 104, a transceiver or network connector 116, and an input-output system that includes the input-output interface 106 and one or more user interface devices 114. The PNA 102 is operable to receive a navigation request from a user of that specifies a destination.

[0044] The navigation system 100 also includes or is operable to access a rules database 150 that specifies the criteria for determining whether a street or area is accessible using the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle 10 is a EV, the rules database 150 may include the criteria for determining whether the NEV may legally operate on a street or thoroughfare. In the United States, for example, the rules database 150 may specify the criteria for determining whether the NEV may operate on a street for each jurisdiction that has passed laws or regulations limiting the streets on which NEVs are legally permitted to drive. As referenced herein, a jurisdiction may be a country, a state, a county, a city, or any combination of the foregoing. In an embodiment, the rules database 150 may include data that informs the PNA 102 that only streets having posted speed limits of less than 40 miles per hour may be legally permitted. The rules database 150 may be updated whenever additional relevant laws or regulations are passed that legally restrict the streets that are otherwise accessible to the vehicle 10. [0045] The navigation system 100 also includes or is operable to access a route selection engine 140 that is operable to determine whether the destination is accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on information received from the rules database. The functionality of the route selection engine 140 may be provided by a standalone computer that is accessed by the network connector 1 16 or integrated software, hardware and/or memory components of the vehicle 10 or navigation system 100. In an embodiment, the route selection engine 140 may include a map of streets for all or a portion of the jurisdiction in which the navigation system 100 is located. The route selection engine 140 may apply rules received from the rules database 150 to determine whether streets in the area of the navigation system 100 are accessible. Additionally, in response to receiving a destination or navigation request, the route selection engine 140 may determine whether a series of streets that are determined to be accessible exists to provide an accessible route from the user's location to the destination. The route selection engine 140 may provide navigation instructions to a user or to the vehicle 10 in response to determining that an accessible route exists, or in response to determining that an accessible route exists that is within the range of the vehicle.

[0046] As referenced herein, the range of the vehicle is understood to be the distance the vehicle 10 can travel using the vehicle's power supply 40, or using a full charge (in the case of an electric -powered vehicle). Similarly, the two-way range of the vehicle 10 is understood to be one-half of the aforementioned distance, to allow for travel to the destination and back to the vehicle's initial location. In an embodiment, the route selection engine 140 may analyze data from the rules database 150 and data from the vehicle 10, including the power level of the vehicle's batteries, to determine whether a destination is accessible in consideration of the types of streets that are accessible and the vehicle's range. [0047] In an embodiment, the power level data may be analyzed during travel to ensure that the user does not stray out of range. For example, if the user is driving the vehicle 10 about town, the route selection engine 140 may continuously determine the shortest route back to the user's home, original location, or preselected location that has a charging source, and the system 100 may alert the user if the remaining range of the vehicle 10 approaches the distance of the shortest route or when the user is within a preselected distance, such as one mile, from the end of their range. For example, in an embodiment in which the preselected distance is two miles, the system may alert the user upon determining that the user has enough power remaining to travel ten miles, and that the shortest route to the user's home is eight miles. The alert may be a visual warning, such as a light, a picture, or a flashing light, an audible warning, such as a buzzer, or a touch-related warning, such as a vibration to the navigation system 100 or to a portion of the vehicle that is likely to contact the user, such as a controller or seat.

[0048] In an embodiment, the navigation system 100 includes a visual display that is operable to display a map to the user based on data received from the route selection engine. An example of such a map or display is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, such a map 200 may specify, for example, at least one first area 230 that is determined to be accessible to the user and at least one second area 232 that is determined not to be accessible to the user. To make such a determination, the route selection engine may analyze each street between the user's location 206 and one or more destinations 208, 214. In an embodiment, the route selection engine characterizes each street as an accessible street 202 on which the user's vehicle is legally permitted to operate or an inaccessible street 204 on which the user's vehicle is not legally permitted to operate.

[0049] Based on the determination of accessible streets 202, the display may be configured to denote to the user that certain portions of the map, such as the first area 230, are accessible by accessible streets 202 and that other portions of the map, such as the second area 232, are not accessible because they cannot be reached without traveling on an inaccessible street 204. A number of visual cues may be applied to the map 200 to distinguish the accessible region 230 from the inaccessible region 232. For example, the inaccessible region may be blacked out, highlighted, un-highlighted relative to a highlighted accessible region, greyed out, blurred, separated by a boundary, or otherwise distinguished.

[0050] Where the route selection engine determines that an accessible route to a destination 208 exists, the map may be used to display a driving path 218 that indicates driving directions from the user's location 206 to the destination 208. Where the route selection engine determines that no accessible route to an inaccessible destination 214 exists, the map may be used to display an alternative path 220. As shown in FIG. 2, the inaccessible destination 214 may only be reached from the user's location 206 by travelling on an inaccessible street 204. Therefore, a user who cannot operate their vehicle on the inaccessible street must follow an alternative path to reach the inaccessible destination 214. In an embodiment, the route selection engine may select a route that includes the driving path 218, which may be used to direct the user to a parking lot 210 adjacent to a waypoint, which may be an access point for alternative transportation to facilitate the user continuing to the inaccessible location 214, such as a bus stop 212. Using the bus or other form of alternative transportation, the user may follow the alternative path 220 to the inaccessible destination 214 by exiting the bus at a second bus stop 216 that is adjacent to the inaccessible destination 214.

[0051] In an embodiment, the system may also include an alternative destination selection engine. In such an embodiment, the user may enter a destination as a point of interest in place of an address by, for example, entering the name of a popular coffee shop. The route selection engine may determine that the coffee shop is located in the inaccessible area 232 and, prior to providing the alternative path navigation guidance to the user, the system may access an alternative destination database to determine whether the user may prefer to receive directions to an alternative destination that is within the accessible area in place of the specified point of interest. If, for example, the name of a coffee shop is entered as the point of interest, the alternative destination database may identify the type of business that is desired (a coffee shop) and search for alternative coffee shops that are within the accessible area. This may be accomplished by searching a database or performing a web search to determine nearby coffee shops that are within the accessible area 230, and prompting the user to direct the system whether to replace the destination with one of the alternative destinations (and provide directions to the alternative destination), or to proceed to the originally specified destination despite the destination being located in the inaccessible area 232.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 1, according to an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle 10 includes a power supply 40 or power source, a control system 20, and a drive system. The vehicle 10 also includes the navigation system 100, as described above. In an embodiment, the control system may include a governor to assist the vehicle in remaining compliant with local law, as specified in the rules database. For example, if a network connector of the car (whether functioning independently or as a component of the navigation system) determines that the vehicle is not legally permitted to exceed a particular speed limit on any street, the control system 20 may govern the top speed of the vehicle 10 to ensure that the vehicle remains compliant with applicable laws and regulations. In an illustrative embodiment, the rules database may indicate that, in addition to only being permitted to access streets having posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less, the vehicle may not travel at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour. In such an embodiment, the control system 20 may automatically govern the vehicle in response to determining the speed limitation to ensure that the operation of the vehicle 10 is compliant with applicable laws. In an embodiment in which the vehicle is a self-driving vehicle, the control system 20 may automatically set the steady-state speed of the vehicle to a preselected speed that is based on the speed limitation.

[0053] The foregoing embodiment allows for a single vehicle to be built and sold that is NEV and LSV compliant in all jurisdictions because the vehicle "self-configures" its performance characteristics to be compliant with applicable law based upon GPS coordinates and rules from the rules database that are applicable to the jurisdiction of the GPS coordinates. [0054] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 may be a self-driving vehicle that is driven by the control system 20, which may include a complex sensor and camera system that allows the vehicle 10 to safely drive on public streets without significant driver input. In such an embodiment, the self-driving vehicle may include a navigation system 100 that is operable to provide driving directions to a user-specified destination to the control system 20 in response to determining that the destination is accessible from the location of the user. In such an embodiment, in the event of an accident, a self-driving NEV may utilize the network connector 116 to (i) communicate an automated distress call to authorities (via 91 1, traffic control, etc.) via a communication network (such as a cellular phone system), and (ii) transmit information via call or SMS message to an emergency contact list maintained by the user to indicate details of the accident, including, for example, the time and location of the accident, and any sensed damage to the vehicle that may be determined by the control system 20. In such an embodiment, the control system 20 may be coupled to sensors that monitor the condition of the vehicle, including information that indicates whether or not the vehicle is drivable, the condition of the vehicle's battery, whether components within the vehicle have been disconnected, whether an airbag or other safety device has been deployed, and whether portions of the vehicle have experienced deformation. In addition, in response to a minor accident or other detected problem with the vehicle, such as a flat tire, low battery, or component failure, the vehicle may park itself and immediately and automatically signal for vehicle assistance by transmitting vehicle diagnostic information and the vehicle location to the driver's emergency contact. In such an embodiment, the vehicle may also transmit such information to the user's emergency contacts and generate a request to one or more contacts, or to a third-party transportation service, to pick up the user.

[0055] It is noted that while a single communications link to the GPS satellite network 130 is shown in FIG. 1, conventional location techniques are understood to employ a plurality of signals transmitted from a constellation of satellites. Further, while GPS location systems are primarily discussed with regard to the present disclosure, in various embodiments, the GPS satellite network 130 and GPS unit 1 12 may be replaced or augmented by a range of location- determination systems, including, for example, both radio-frequency and gyroscopic systems. [0056] In accordance with the illustrative embodiments, one or more PNAs 102 are capable of transmitting and receiving data and messages in several ways. For example, the PNA 102 may transmit and receive data and messages over a satellite uplink to the GPS satellite network 130, which also delivers downlink signals to the GPS unit 1 12. In another embodiment, the network connector 116 of the PNA 102 may also transmit and receive data and messages over a medium-range wireless signal, such as the global system for mobile communications (GSM) network or a CDMA network, to a base station. In another embodiment, a PNA 102 transmits and receives data and messages over a short-range radio connection, such as a connection complying with one or more of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 la/b/g/n standards ("Wi-Fi"), ultra-wideband ("UWB"), or Bluetooth, to a field server, which can integrally contain or be connected to a radio-frequency transceiver (not shown) for handling short-range radio connection. Other methods of radio frequency communication may also be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. [0057] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for initiating a vehicle or other system that includes the disclosed PNA. The process is initiated when the system is activated 302. Upon initiation, the PNA accesses a GPS network to determine its location 304. Upon determining its location, location data that indicates the jurisdiction in which the PNA located may be used to initiate a query to a legal route database, or rules database 306. In an embodiment, the greater response includes data indicating which streets are accessible to the vehicle, and other restrictions that apply to the vehicle. For example, the query response may include rules data that indicates that the vehicle may travel only on roads having a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour, and that the vehicle may travel no faster than 25 miles per hour. The system next applies the rules data received from the query response to a map 308, which may be a map of an area that includes the location in which the vehicle or PNA is located. For example, the area of the map may be centered on the location of the vehicle or PNA, and extend for a radius that is equivalent to the range or two-way range of the user's vehicle. The map may be the map 200 that is visually displayed to a user as described above with regard to FIG. 2. Upon applying the rules data to the map, the system identifies areas of the map that are not accessible or inaccessible to the user 310. For example, the system may identify an area as inaccessible because the area may only be accessed by traveling on a highspeed thoroughfare or because the area is beyond the range or two-way range of the vehicle. Accordingly, the system updates the displayed map and displays accessible areas or regions of the map to the user 312.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process 400 for selecting and displaying a route to a user that may be executed by, for example, the route selection engine described above with regard to FIG. 1. The process 400 includes receiving destination information 402, which may be an address, the name of an establishment, or other information that identifies the destination. For example, the destination information may be a point of interest, such as a coffee shop, park, or restaurant. The process also includes determining the location of the user 404, which may be done by, for example, gathering location information from a GPS network. The process also includes comparing a rules location to the determined location 406 to ensure that the system will apply the correct rules based on laws and regulations applicable to the location to accurately determine which roads are accessible or inaccessible. A determination is made as to whether the rules location is equivalent to the determined location 408. If the rule location matches the determined location, the system proceeds to determine the most accessible route to the destination 414, which may be the shortest route that consists of only accessible roads. If the relocation does not match the determined location, the system may query the rules database 410 to obtain the accessibility guidelines for the determined location, which may then be applied to the map 412 that covers the possible routes between the user's location and the destination, and the system may proceed to determine the most accessible route 414.

[0059] After determining the most accessible route 414, the system may determine if the entire route consists only of accessible roads 416. If the route does consist of only accessible roads, the system may display the route to the user 422 and commence navigation instructions, which may include live tracking of the user's position relative to the map on a highlighted out portion of the map, as well as turn by turn visual and audio cues. If the system determines that the entire route is not accessible, then the system may generate a query to the user to determine an alternative path to the destination 418. For example, if the destination is not reachable by only accessible roads, the system may provide a user with a choice between taking a bus, light rail or subway, or a private transportation service from a waypoint that is closer to the destination in the user's current location. In an embodiment, the waypoint may be the closest parking lot, bus stop, or rail stop to the inaccessible destination. The system may determine an alternative route based on the user preference 420 and continue to display the alternative route to the user 422. Displaying the alternative route may include showing an alternative path to a waypoint and/or the destination on a map along with audio and/or visual cues to guide the user to the waypoint and destination. In an embodiment in which the PNA is a portable GPS device, the PNA may continue to give route guidance even after the user has exited their vehicle and engaged a second form of transportation, such as a bus, light rail or private service.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a second flowchart showing an illustrative process 400 for selecting and implementing vehicle limitations or operational parameters based on the location of the vehicle. The process 500 begins when the system is activated 502, and includes making a determination as to the location of the vehicle 504 by, for example, using a GPS system and network of the vehicle. Based on the location, the vehicle queries the rules database 506 to obtain vehicle limitations that are applicable to the jurisdiction of the location. For example, the vehicle may retrieve rules that indicate that LSVs or NEVs (as applicable) may travel no faster than 30 mph, rules indicating that headlights must be operational at certain times of the day or that running lights must be continuously activated, or other rules applicable to the jurisdiction. The vehicle also queries its internal control system 508 to determine limitations that may already be applied to the vehicle. For example, the control system may include a processor or performance chip that electronically limits or "governs" the top speed of the vehicle to, for example, 35 mph.

[0061] Further, the process 500 involves comparing the vehicle limitations obtained from the rules database to the vehicle limitation currently implemented by the control system to determine whether the vehicle limitations are equivalent and up to date 510. If the vehicle limitations are up to date, the vehicle continues to an operational state 514 in which the user is able to operate the vehicle. If the vehicle determines that the process is not up to date, the control system updates the performance chip or other operating system of the vehicle to update the vehicle limitations 512 to ensure that the vehicle is compliant with vehicle limitations specified in the jurisdiction. For example, in an embodiment in which the preexisting vehicle limitations permit a top speed of 35 mph and the limitations obtained from the rules database permit a top speed of 30 mph, the control system may update the update the operating system of the vehicle to electronically limit the top speed to 30 mph.

[0062] In an embodiment, the processes 400 and 500 may be executed contemporaneously, such that only a single query is used to access the rules database and retrieve rules relating to the potential routes and vehicle limitations within the jurisdiction. In another embodiment, separate queries may be issued. The rules database may also provide information relating to the boundary of a jurisdiction so that when operating, the vehicle may determine based on location data (such as GPS data) that the vehicle has entered another jurisdiction. In such an embodiment, the vehicle may query the rules database upon either (a) determining that the vehicle is within range of the other jurisdiction or (b) determining that the vehicle has entered the other jurisdiction. Further, the vehicle may monitor location data to determine if the vehicle enters the other jurisdiction, and update a local copy of the rules accordingly. In such an embodiment, the control system may automatically update the operational limitations of the vehicle when the vehicle enters the new jurisdiction. [0063] Example 1. A method of providing navigation instructions, the method comprising: receiving a navigation request from a user of a personal navigation assistant (PNA), the navigation request specifying a destination; accessing a GPS system to determine a location of the user; accessing a selected rules database to retrieve a set of rules that corresponds to the determined location and a vehicle of the user, the set of rules determining whether a street is accessible or inaccessible by the vehicle; determining whether the destination is accessible from the location of the user; and providing directions to the destination to the user.

[0064] Example 2. The method of example 1, wherein providing directions to the location comprises providing driving directions to the user in response to determining that the destination is accessible from the location of the user.

[0065] Example 3. The method of example 1 , wherein providing directions to the location comprises providing mixed transportation directions to the user in response to determining that the destination is not accessible from the location of the user.

[0066] Example 4. The method of example 1, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible comprises applying the set of rules to a map.

[0067] Example 5. The method of example 1, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible comprises determining whether there is a route from the user's location to the destination that consists of accessible streets, wherein an accessible street comprises a street on which the user's vehicle can be driven on legally. [0068] Example 6. The method of example 5, further comprising selecting the shortest route from the from the user's location to the destination that consists of accessible streets.

[0069] Example 7. The method of example 6, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible further comprises determining whether the shortest route is within the range of the user's vehicle when fully charged. [0070] Example 8. The method of example 6, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible further comprises determining whether the shortest route is within the range of the user's vehicle based on current battery charge.

[0071] Example 9. The method of example 6, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible further comprises determining whether the shortest route is within the two-way range of the user's vehicle when fully charged. [0072] Example 10. The method of example 6, wherein determining whether the destination is accessible further comprises determining whether the shortest route is within the two-way range of the user's vehicle based on current battery charge.

[0073] Example 11. The method of example 6, further comprising alerting the user if the user strays from their return range.

[0074] Example 12. The method of example 1, further comprising displaying a map to a user, such map including at least one first area that is determined to be accessible to the user and at least one second area that is determined not to be accessible to the user.

[0075] Example 13. The method of example 12, wherein the second area comprises a blacked- out portion of the map.

[0076] Example 14. The method of example 12, wherein the first area comprises a highlighted portion of the map.

[0077] Example 15. The method of example 12, wherein the second area comprises a highlighted portion of the map. [0078] Example 16. The method of example 12, wherein the second area comprises a greyed- out portion of the map.

[0079] Example 17. The method of example 12, further comprising displaying a boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0080] Example 18. The method of example 12, wherein the destination comprises a point of interest, the method further comprising determining an alternative destination based on a destination-type associated with the destination, and querying the user to determine whether the user desires to replace the destination with the alternative destination.

[0081] Example 19. The method of example 18, wherein determining the alternative destination comprises accessing an alternative destination database. [0082] Example 20. A personal navigation system comprising: a personal navigation assistant

(PNA) having GPS capability, a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and an input-output system, the input-output system operable to receive a navigation request from a user of the

PNA, the navigation request specifying a destination; a rules database having a plurality of rules, each of the plurality of rules being specific to a jurisdiction; and a route selection engine, the route selection engine operable to determine whether the destination is accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on a set of rules received from the rules database.

[0083] Example 21. The personal navigation system of example 20, wherein the personal navigation assistant is operable to provide driving directions to the destination based on data received from the route selection engine indicating that that the destination is accessible from the location of the user.

[0084] Example 22. The personal navigation system of example 20, wherein the personal navigation assistant is operable to provide mixed transportation directions to the destination based on data received from the route selection engine indicating that that the destination is not accessible from the location of the user.

[0085] Example 23. The personal navigation system of example 20, wherein the route selection engine is operable to determine whether the destination is accessible by applying a selected set of rules to a map, the selected set of rules corresponding to (a) the vehicle of the user and (b) a jurisdiction of the user.

[0086] Example 24. The personal navigation system of example 20, wherein the input-output system of the personal navigation assistant includes a visual display, the visual display operable to display a map to the user based on data received from the route selection engine, the map specifying at least one first area that is determined to be accessible to the user and at least one second area that is determined not to be accessible to the user.

[0087] Example 25. The personal navigation system of example 24, wherein the second area comprises a blacked-out portion of the map.

[0088] Example 26. The personal navigation system of example 24, wherein the first area comprises a highlighted portion of the map. [0089] Example 27. The personal navigation system of example 24, wherein the second area comprises a highlighted portion of the map.

[0090] Example 28. The personal navigation system of example 24, wherein the second area comprises a greyed-out portion of the map. [0091] Example 29. The personal navigation system of example 24, further comprising displaying a boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0092] Example 30. The personal navigation system of example 20, further comprising an alternative destination selection engine, wherein: the destination comprises a point of interest, and the alternative destination selection engine is operable to determine at least one alternative destination in response to the route selection engine determining that the destination is inaccessible.

[0093] Example 31. The personal navigation system of example 30, wherein the input-output system of the personal navigation assistant is operable to query the user, and to replace the destination with the alternative destination in response to positive user input.

[0094] Example 32. The personal navigation system of example 20, further comprising a vehicle battery interface operable to provide battery data to the personal navigation assistant that is indicative of a charge level of the vehicle battery.

[0095] Example 33. The personal navigation system of example 20, further comprising a vehicle battery interface operable to provide battery data to the personal navigation assistant that is indicative of a range of the vehicle.

[0096] Example 34. A limited-access vehicle comprising: a power source; a drive system; a control system and a navigation system, the navigation system having GPS capability, a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and an input-output system, the input-output system operable to receive a navigation request from a user of the limited-access vehicle, the navigation request specifying a destination, wherein the navigation system is operable to access a rules database having a plurality of rules, each of the plurality of rules being specific to a jurisdiction, and to determine whether the destination is accessible or inaccessible from the location of the user based on a set of rules received from the rules database. [0097] Example 35. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the navigation system is operable to provide driving directions to the destination to the control system in response to determining that the destination is accessible from the location of the user.

[0098] Example 36. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the navigation system is operable to provide driving directions to a waypoint in response to determining that that the destination is not accessible from the location of the user. [0099] Example 37. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the navigation system is operable to determine whether the destination is accessible by applying a selected set of rules to a map, the selected set of rules corresponding to (a) the vehicle of the user and (b) a jurisdiction of the user. [0100] Example 38. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the input-output system of the navigation system includes a visual display operable to display a map to the user, the map specifying at least one first area that is determined to be accessible to the user and at least one second area that is determined not to be accessible to the user.

[0101] Example 39. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, wherein the visual display comprises a touch-screen.

[0102] Example 40. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, wherein the second area comprises a blacked-out portion of the map.

[0103] Example 41. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, wherein the first area comprises a highlighted portion of the map. [0104] Example 42. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, wherein the second area comprises a highlighted portion of the map.

[0105] Example 43. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, wherein the second area comprises a greyed-out portion of the map.

[0106] Example 44. The limited-access vehicle of example 38, further comprising displaying a boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0107] Example 45. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the navigation system comprises an alternative destination selection engine, wherein the destination comprises a point of interest, and the alternative destination selection engine is operable to determine at least one alternative destination in response to the route selection engine determining that the destination is inaccessible.

[0108] Example 46. The limited-access vehicle of example 45, wherein the input-output system of the personal navigation assistant is operable to query the user, and to replace the destination with the alternative destination in response to positive user input. [0109] Example 47. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the navigation system is operable to determine whether the destination is accessible by: applying a selected set of rules to a map, the selected set of rules corresponding to (a) the vehicle of the user and (b) a jurisdiction of the user; and determining whether there is a route from the user's location to the destination that consists of accessible streets, wherein an accessible street comprises a street on which the user's vehicle is legally permitted to drive.

[0110] Example 48. The limited-access vehicle of example 47, wherein the navigation system is further operable to select the shortest route from the from the user's location to the destination that consists of accessible streets. [0111] Example 49. The limited-access vehicle of example 48, wherein the navigation system is further operable to determine whether the shortest route is within the range of the user's vehicle based on the power level of the power source.

[0112] Example 50. The limited-access vehicle of example 48, wherein the navigation system is further operable to determine whether the shortest route is within the two-way range of the user's vehicle based on the power level of the power source.

[0113] Example 51. The limited-access vehicle of example 50, wherein the navigation system is further operable to alert the user if the shortest route is determined to exceed the two-way range of the user's vehicle.

[0114] Example 52. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the control system is operable to receive rules data from the rules database, and to limit the top speed of the limited- access vehicle based on the received rules data.

[0115] Example 53. The limited-access vehicle of example 34, wherein the limited-access vehicle comprises a self-driving vehicle.

[0116] Example 54. The systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein. [0117] Example 55. A vehicle comprising: a drive system configured to move the vehicle and provide direction; a power source configured to provide power to the drive system; a navigation system configured to receive rule information from a rules database, destination information from a personal navigation assistant (PNA), and positioning information from a positioning system, generate routing information based on the rule information, destination information, and the positioning information; and a control system that is configured to receive the routing information and instruct the power source and drive system.

[0118] Example 56. The vehicle of example 55, wherein the vehicle is at least one from a group consisting of a self-driving vehicle, a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), and a low- speed vehicle (LSV).

[0119] The various methods as illustrated in the figures and described herein represent example embodiments of methods. The methods may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The order of method may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc.

[0120] Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. It is intended that the invention embrace all such modifications and changes and, accordingly, the above description to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.