Driver information device

Abstract

A driver information device with a map display is designed in such a way as to make the map display clear and easy to read. This is achieved, in cases where multiple special objects are situated at one location on the map, through the use of an indicator symbol representing such special objects, with a selection menu for selecting individual special objects, instead of displaying an individual symbol for each one of them.

1 . A driver information device comprising:
 a map display, special objects being represented on the map display by symbols, a common indicator symbol in the map display being assigned to multiple special objects one of (a) in one location and (b) within a preselected radius of a location, a selection of the indicator symbol enabling a display of a selection menu containing information about the special objects, a color chosen for the indicator symbol depending on at least one of a type and a number of special objects.   
     
     
         2 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein the selection menu includes a list. 
     
     
         3 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein the indicator symbol is displayed on the map display one of (a) at the location of the special objects and (b) within the preselected radius of the location. 
     
     
         4 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein the selection menu is superimposed on the map display. 
     
     
         5 . The driver information device according to  claim 4 , wherein the selection menu is superimposed on the map display in a semi-transparent window. 
     
     
         6 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein an area around the special objects to be displayed as the common indicator symbol is chosen such that the indicator symbol is displayed instead of individual symbols if the symbols would overlap in the map display were they to be displayed individually. 
     
     
         7 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein during the display of the selection menu, the indicator symbol is displayable at a same location on the map where it was displayed before the display of the selection menu, one of (a) with a link to the selection menu and (b) embedded in the selection menu. 
     
     
         8 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of (a) symbols and (b) text information pertaining to the special objects are displayable in the selection menu. 
     
     
         9 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the special objects in the selection menu is selectable as a destination for the purpose of calculating a route. 
     
     
         10 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein by selecting one of the special objects in the selection menu, further information pertaining to the special objects becomes accessible. 
     
     
         11 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein the special objects include at least one of parking lots, restaurants, hotels and places of interest. 
     
     
         12 . The driver information device according to  claim 1 , wherein the selection menu includes a selection frame, the selection frame being movable to select at least one of the special objects. 
     
     
         13 . The driver information device according to  claim 12 , wherein the selection frame is movable by one of an operating element and a touch-screen.