Abstract: A mobile application on a mobile device communicates with a head-unit of a navigation system. The mobile application may retrieve data such as map data, user input data, and other data and communicate the updates to the head unit. By retrieving map data through the mobile application, the head unit may be updated much easier than systems of the prior art. The data may be retrieved through cellular networks, Wi-Fi networks, or other networks which accessible to a user and compatible with the mobile device. Updates may be stored in the mobile device and automatically uploaded to the navigation system head unit when the user is in the vicinity of the head unit. The mobile application may establish a logical connection with one or more head units. The logical connection bounds the mobile application to the head unit and allows for data sharing and synchronization.

Abstract: A power manager for mobile applications using location based services. Generally described, the system and method manages power of a wireless device by adjusting the sampling rate of mobile applications that use location based services. In one illustrative embodiment, the power can be managed by establishing a schedule. The schedule can include settings such as a start time, end time, interval, and duration. These settings can be used to establish a window of time whereby multiple location samplings can take place. The schedule can minimize the user's involvement on a continual basis by allowing manual and automatic scheduling. The power manager can include, but is not limited to, three features to provide better power management for the wireless device. These can include scheduling for location sampling, automatic and learned scheduling, and frequency and duration dynamic modification. Through the power manager, the power supply on the wireless device can be maximized.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information on a map displayed by a mobile device is described. In some examples, the system facilitates user control of map elements, such as dynamically changing map elements based on events that occur at a user's mobile device or at locations associated with the map elements. In some examples, the system enables communication between users via map elements.

Abstract: In step ST11 of FIG. 5, a map image is displayed. In step ST12, moving-route marks are added to the map image. In step ST13, image-pickup-position marks are added to the map image. In step ST14, a current position mark is added to the map image. In step ST15, a predetermined range is determined based on an image-pickup position. Furthermore, predetermined ranges are determined based on a moving route and a current position. In step ST16, the number of types of landmark sign to be included in the map image is reduced in ranges other than the predetermined ranges. Since landmark signs which are positioned far from the image-pickup position, the moving route, and the current position and which are not important for a user are not added to the map image, map display is performed while display of the landmark signs is optimized.

Abstract: A method of providing navigational information comprises processing destination information spoken by a user of a mobile processing system. The processed voice information is transmitted to a remote data center. The processed voice information is analyzed at the data center to recognize components of the destination information. The center generates a list of hypothetical recognized components of the destination by confidence levels as calculated for each component of the information analyzed. The hypothetical recognized component list is displayed with confidence levels at the data center for selective checking by a human data center operator. A set of hypothetical components is selected based on confidence levels in the list. The accuracy of the selected set of hypothetical recognized components of the destination information is confirmed though interactive voice exchanges between the mobile system user and the remote data center.

Abstract: A system for providing navigational information comprises a mobile system processing and transmitting via a wireless link a continuous voice stream spoken by a user of the mobile system, the continuous voice stream including a complete destination address and a data center processing the continuous voice stream received via the wireless link into voice navigational information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving at a computer server system, from a computing device that is remote from the server system, a string of text that comprises a search query. The method also includes identifying one or more search results that are responsive to the search query, parsing a document that is a target of one of the one or more results, identifying geographical address information from the parsing, generating a specific geographical indicator corresponding to the one search result, and transmitting for use by the computing device, data for automatically generating a navigational application having a destination at the specific geographical indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a traffic information distribution apparatus 1 including date-time information in traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquire unit 12 or generated by the traffic information prediction unit, and accumulates the traffic information in the traffic information DB 13. When the traffic information distribution apparatus 1 receives distribution request information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 5, based on date-time information of reference traffic information held by the in-vehicle terminal 5 included in the distribution request information, the traffic information distribution apparatus 1 retrieves traffic information including the same date-time information as the date-time information of the reference traffic information from the traffic information DB 13.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle has a surroundings sensor and an evaluation unit for evaluating the surroundings sensor data. The evaluation unit receives data from a positioning device. Furthermore, a reduced or limited subset of data taken from a digital roadmap is stored in a non-volatile memory, which is provided to the evaluation unit. The reduced data are selected to include only data relevant for the function(s) of the driver assistance system. Thereby the driver assistance system does not need to be connected for data transmission with a navigation system.

Abstract: A method of providing navigational information includes the step of processing destination information spoken by a user of a mobile processing system and transmitting the processed voice information via a wireless link to a remote data center. The processed voice information is analyzed with a voice recognition system at the remote data center to recognize components of the destination information spoken by the user. The remote data center generates a list of hypothetical recognized components of the destination information listed by confidence levels as calculated for each component of the destination information analyzed by the voice recognition system. The remote data center determines if a confidence score is below a recognition confidence value and, if the confidence score is below the recognition confidence value, transmits an automated request to have the user speak the destination information again.

Abstract: A route search system includes: a reception unit that receives a search request for a plurality of first routes, that are routes between all the combinations of two of a plurality of points; a search unit that, when the search request is received by the reception unit, searches the plurality of first routes based upon a search condition included in the search request; and a supply unit that transmits route information for the plurality of first routes searched by the search unit. Both a number of times the search request is received by the reception unit, and a number of times route information is transmitted by the supply unit, are smaller than a number of points in the plurality of points.

Abstract: A map data utilization apparatus retrieves a version information of map data for a specific area when a current position of a vehicle is updated. Then, the version information of the map data of the specific area is compared with a version information of the map data of an identical area in a version list that is retrieved in advance for map data updating. When the version of the map data in the version list is different from the one of the map data of the specific area, an inquiry screen is displayed on a display unit for inquiring a user whether the map data is updated. When an update is instructed by the user, map data update data is acquired from an information center, and the map data of the specific area is updated by using the map data update data.

Abstract: A cooperative event location system is provided having a first system in a first vehicle and a second system. The first system includes a first event detection component to detect an occurrence of an event, a first measurement component to determine a distance traveled from the event, a first processing component coupled to the event detection component and the measurement component to prepare an event message, and a first short-range communication component coupled to the processing component and configured to transmit the event message to the second system remote from the first system. The second system includes a second short-range communication component to receive the event message, a satellite navigation component to provide location information, and a processing component coupled to the second communication component and the satellite navigation component to determine in latitude and longitude coordinates a location of the event.

Abstract: A method of identifying an intersection for a collision warning system is disclosed. The method includes steps of selecting an identified intersection where a driver intends to turn from a set of potential intersections. The collision warning system is then controlled according to the identified intersection.

Abstract: In a course of updating old map data on a hard disk drive to new map data, a low-priority portion of the old map data that has less importance/necessity is deleted to create a vacant area, and a high-priority portion of the new map data is copied to the vacant area as an update of the map data. Then, the high-priority portion of the old map data is deleted to create another vacant area, and a low-priority portion of the new map data is copied to the vacant area. During the update of the map data, restrictions on the usage of the map data are avoided at all efforts by having the high-priority portion of at least one of the new map data and the old map data maintained on the hard disk drive, while maximizing the utilization of storage resources in a map data management apparatus.

Abstract: In a panorama navigation method using a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device includes a GPS, an electronic compass and a touch screen. A user operation interface is displayed on the touch screen, and driving information is received from a user operation interface when a driver arranges a driving route in a geographic region. The driving route is marked on an electronic map of the geographic region according to the driving information. The GPS detects a current location of a vehicle, and the electronic compass identifies a driving direction of the vehicle. The portable electronic device obtains a series of panoramic images of the geographic region from a host computer according to the current location, the driving direction and a current time of the vehicle, and displays each of the panoramic images on the touch screen to provide panoramic navigation information for the driver.

Abstract: The present system and methods provides for distribution of weather and other environmental information to remote users within a wireless transmitter coverage area. The system and method assigns meteorological data to a plurality of cells, each corresponding to a communication range of a wireless transmitter. The data is then distributed by the appropriate wireless transmitter to all users within its coverage area. The system and method does not distribute information to a particular user based upon a known communication address, user profile, or identification, but rather is directed to any user falling within the communications range of the wireless transmitter. By indiscriminate distribution of reportable events, the system provides timely, site-specific information without requiring the location of the remote units.

Abstract: Immediate changes and updates in a Global Positioning System (GPS) providing wireless communication display devices with displayed maps of a defined areas with traffic and objects of interest information are implemented through broadcasting short range RF information relative to an object from an object located within the defined area. When this broadcast information is received by the transceiver of any wireless display device within RF broadcast range, the receiving device obtains the position of the object from a GPS satellite based upon the information received by the wireless display device and the object and the information are displayed.

Abstract: A method of receiving information for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes retrieving stored traffic information from a database and determining a communication period for receiving current traffic information from a service provider based on the stored traffic information. The method also includes receiving current traffic information simultaneously with other non-traffic information when the non-traffic information is being requested in order to limit the number of instances of communication with the service provider.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive from a mobile device a request regarding a stranded vehicle. The request is processed to determine the location of the stranded vehicle. Additional information regarding the stranded vehicle may be retrieved. The location of the stranded vehicle and the additional information may be communicated as a dispatch request. The location of the stranded vehicle relative to a dispatched vehicle is delivered to the mobile device.

Abstract: Provided is a navigation device which can automatically display on a map screen, an icon of a facility, information of which is not held in the navigation device. According to the navigation device (2), when it is judged that content information received from a roadside radio device (1) contains “object facility coordinate information” and “icon image information”, these information are written into a facility information table (252). When displaying a map screen and an existing facility icon on a display unit (22), it is judged whether the facility information table (252) contains facility icon information having coordinate information contained within a range indicated by the map screen. If YES, the corresponding facility icon is overlay-displayed on the map screen and the existing facility icon.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for transmitting/identifying a location based on local communication. The apparatus, includes: a location information calculating unit for receiving a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal from a GPS satellite and calculating location information; own location transmitting unit for transmitting a signal, in which the calculated location information and recognition information are inserted, through a local communication antenna; a counterpart location receiving unit for receiving a signal transmitted from another location transmitting/identifying apparatus located in a close range through the local communication antenna; and a counterpart location identifying unit for checking the received signal and identifying a location of another location transmitting/identifying apparatus.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a map data acquiring means 11a, 11, 12, and 5 for acquiring map data including data about roads for which whether or not a car pool lane is also provided is specified; a current position determining means 13, 14, 15, and 10 for determining a current position; and a route searching unit 130 for searching for a route from the current position determined by the current position determining means to a destination inputted by an input unit on the basis of the map data acquired by the map data acquiring means, and for, when a road where a car pool lane is also provided is included in a route acquired through the route search, presenting, as a recommended route, the route using the car pool lane if the distance over which the road will be traveled is equal to or longer than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to travel time determination, for example, determining a predicted travel time between locations based on historical data. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for determining a predicted amount of time required to travel from one location to another that includes dividing a region into multiple grid portions and designating each grid portion that contains at least one address of interest as a departure grid, a destination grid, or both. The method can further include generating a searchable data arrangement that includes travel times associated with traveling from selected departure grids to selected destination grids, and updating the travel times using historical data.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for validating a correction to map data for a geographic location, the system including: a processing resource; and a navigation device. In at least one embodiment, the processing resource includes: a user request generator that is configured to generate a user request for transmission to the navigation device; a transmitter for transmitting the generated user request to the navigation device; and a receiver for receiving a user response from the navigation device; and the navigation device includes: a receiver for receiving the user request transmitted from the processing resource; a user request module configured to present the received user request to a user of the navigation device; a user response module for capturing a user response to the presented user request, and a transmitter for transmitting the captured user response to the processing resource.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a global positioning system operable to determine a geographical location of the vehicle, and a display device. Data relevant to the geographical location of the vehicle is carried from an external provider to the vehicle via a wireless communication link. The data may be wirelessly communicated from the external provider to the vehicle responsive to at least one of (a) location of the vehicle, (b) identity of the vehicle and (c) directional heading of the vehicle, and the data may be at least in part customized to the geographic location of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror system may include a link with a mobile accessory that may be a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle, and the mobile accessory may include at least one of a keypad, a touch pad and a stylus-actuated screen.

Abstract: A method and system for managing differences between geographic database versions is disclosed. A user registers his version of a geographic database with a map management application and thereafter enters a destination on a graphical user interface. The map management application checks to see if data representing the destination is located in the user's version of the geographic database and a more current version of the geographic database. If the data representing the destination is located in the more current version but not the user's version of the geographic database, the map management application provides the user with options, including upgrading to a more current version of the geographic database.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for navigation. In at least one embodiment, the method includes connecting a navigation device to a server via a modem connection; receiving information from the server; determining whether or not criteria will be met for disconnecting the modem connection; and connecting the navigation device to the server via an alternative connection upon determining that criteria will be met for disconnecting the modem connection.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and apparatus of a smart device configured to determine higher-order context data. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a sensor to acquire a context data. The context data provides information of an attribute of an event within the range of the sensor. A processor analyzes an attribute of the context data and determines a higher-order context data. A message generator generates a supplemental context message transmittable through a network. The supplemental context message includes the higher-order context data. A network interface device communicatively couples the apparatus to the network.

Abstract: A map-updating-data creating apparatus performs, for each old map file, creating a map-updating file for rewriting the map file to a new map file, determining the serial number of each of the updated map files, creating a serial number management file in which marks are respectively written at positions corresponding to the serial numbers, and generating, as map-updating data, the map-updating file and the serial number management file. A navigation apparatus performs map-updating processing and determines, by referring to the serial number management file, whether a map file has already been updated. The navigation apparatus uses the map-updating file to execute navigation control if the map file has already been updated, and updates the map file and subsequently executes the navigation control if the map file has not been updated.

Abstract: A method of providing navigational information includes processing destination information spoken by a mobile processing system user. The processed voice information is transmitted to a remote center wirelessly. The processed voice information is voice recognition analyzed to recognize components of the destination information spoken. The remote center generates a list of hypothetical recognized components of the destination information listed by confidence levels. The list of hypothetical recognized components is displayed with confidence levels at the remote center for selective checking by a human data center operator. A component set is selected based on the confidence levels and accuracy of the selected set is confirmed by interactive voice exchanges. A destination is determined from confirmed components of the destination information.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that may be subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. A further aspect may provide correlation between a selective operation mode of an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle during an applicable travel period and a preferred consequential result available to a qualified recipient associated with the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system is configured such that: an in-vehicle device collects and provides position information and movement information of a vehicle to a portable terminal device, and displays image data sent from the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device acquires map information from a map center device based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, calculates an actual location of the vehicle based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, and generates image data in which the calculated actual location is superposed on the acquired map information.

Abstract: A method for communicating navigational information to a telematics unit. The method comprises receiving route requirements; calculating a plurality of portions of a route, each portion calculated according to different sets of criteria, the criteria determined from the route requirements; and sending the plurality of portions to the telematics unit. The portions of the route can be provided to the telematics unit sequentially, with non-final portions including a trigger for indicating to the telematics unit when to request the next portion. The portions can also be provided to the telematics unit as a complete route comprising concatenated route portions.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates generating a point of interest related to a map. An interface component can collect a portion of annotation data from two or more users, wherein the portion of annotation data is associated with a digital map and includes at least one of a map location and a user specific description of the map location. An annotation aggregator can evaluate annotation data corresponding to the map location on the digital map. The annotation aggregator can create a point of interest (POI) for the map location based upon the evaluation and populates the digital map with at least one of an identified location extracted from two or more users or a universal description extracted from two or more users.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of providing detailed information using a multimedia based traffic and travel information message and a terminal for executing the same. A method of providing detailed information using a multimedia based traffic in accordance with this document may comprise receiving transport protocol expert group (TPEG) information, comprising a road traffic message and a multimedia based traffic and travel information message and comprised of a hierarchical structure, displaying one or more events comprised in the road traffic message, allowing a request for detailed information about any one of the events to be input, and receiving detailed information of a multimedia type from a multimedia data providing server through specific one of bearer information comprised in the multimedia based traffic and travel information message and providing the received detailed information.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic determination of optimal route delivery receives a point of interest location, a current vehicle location, and a date of first set of route directions from a telematics unit over a wireless network by a software application running on a navigation server. The application accesses the first set of route directions and a second set of route directions from a database located on a telematics service provider premises. Both the first and second set of route directions are between the current vehicle location and the point of interest. If there is a traffic obstacle along a route between the current vehicle location and the point of interest location and the traffic obstacle was implemented after the first set of directions, a live advisor sends a notification to a user and provides the user with an alternate method of delivering route directions over the wireless network.

Abstract: A method for providing and utilizing navigation data can include identifying a grid that includes a plurality of geographical regions. Each geographical region can have an associated navigation data set which includes street level mapping data. Linking references for each geographical region can be defined. Geographical navigation bundles can be identified that conform to an OSGi compliant framework. Each bundle can correspond to one of the geographical regions and can include a navigation data set and a manifest file. The manifest file can include a version, date, and the linking references. A GPS equipped device can dynamically install and activate the geographical navigation bundles. The GPS equipped device can perform at least one navigation process based upon the navigation data set. The GPS device can predict when new navigation data is needed and can automatically acquire suitable geographical navigation bundles in response to these predictions.

Abstract: When a map acquisition judgment means judges that the acquisition of map information is required, a terminal device transmits spot position information calculated by a spot information calculation means to a server which mediates providing of the map information, via a first map information providing server where the terminal device is positioned. The server causes an area judgment means to judge according to the spot information an area of providing map information including the spot, identifies a map information providing system on the basis of the judgment, and requests providing of the map information including the spot to a second map information providing server in the area according to the spot position information. The terminal device synthesizes map information held by the terminal and map information provided by the second map information providing server by a map synthesis means and displays the synthesized map information on a display means.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing travel time information for a plurality of positions on an electronic map. The system provides map data including information on road segments, determines a plurality of road segment travel times based on the map data, selects a plurality of positions for which travel time information is to provided, determines a travel time for each of these positions in dependence on the road segment travel times, and displays an optical indicator for the travel times on an electronic map.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for providing geographic information. The system includes a base unit that receives a request from a mobile unit and provides a response to the mobile unit. The request includes a point of interest category and a traveling distance or traveling time parameter. The base unit identifies a point of interest that matches the point of interest category and satisfies the traveling distance or traveling time parameter. The response from the base unit to the mobile unit provides the identified point of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traffic information processing apparatus and method, the apparatus comprises a format unifying device which unifies input traffic information with different formats to traffic information with unified format; and a traffic information integrating device which corrects and/or complements the traffic information with unified format based on a knowledge base to obtain traffic information which is consistent with each other, so as to integrate the traffic information, wherein the knowledge base is external to the apparatus or internal to the apparatus. The traffic information processing apparatus and method according to the present invention can process traffic information with spatial inconsistence, temporal inconsistence and semantic inconsistence so as to integrate effectively the traffic information from a variety of heterogeneous information sources and ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of traffic data.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining data about spatial objects. The data is received from a set of adaptable and programmable sensor units associated with a set of spatial objects in real time to form received data, wherein the data is generated in response to a change in a measurement or time of a sensor unit in the set of sensor units. A collection of data for spatial objects is updated with the received data.

Abstract: A moving body terminal is basically provided with a position information acquiring section, a receiving section and a control section. The position information acquiring section is configured to acquire position information indicating a current position of the moving body terminal. The receiving section is configured to receive from an information providing apparatus simple map information which includes information transmission determining information indicating an information transmission unnecessary region of the simple map information where the position information of the moving body terminal is not required to be transmitted from the moving body terminal to the information providing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly exchanging information concerning the location of E85 gas stations between E85 vehicles. The method includes transmitting messages from an E85 gas station that identifies the location of the E85 gas station, the time of the transmission and the price of the E85 gas, and receiving the messages by E85 vehicles that pass within a certain distance of the E85 gas station. The method also includes identifying that two E85 vehicles pass close to each other, where the vehicles periodically broadcast an E85 beacon identifying them as E85 vehicles. When two E85 vehicles are identified, the vehicles exchange information concerning a list of the E85 gas stations that they have stored from messages received from E85 gas stations and/or other E85 vehicles. The two vehicles update their lists to include those E85 gas stations that one vehicle may have that the other does not.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing map information to an operator of a vehicle includes forming a map database to reside on the vehicle, e.g., after installation on the vehicle, and which includes for example, data about lanes that the vehicle can travel on locations of a boundary or edges of the travel lanes, data about traffic control devices in the database, data about guard rails along travel lanes and/or data about inanimate objects such as poles and trees alongside the travel lanes. The database is managed to ensure that it has current information about a travel lane on which the vehicle is currently situated. This may entail establishing wireless communications to the vehicle to enable data to be provided to the database, e.g., from other vehicles and/or from infrastructure.

Abstract: A moving body terminal is basically provided with a position information acquiring section, a receiving section and a control section. The position information acquiring section is configured to acquire position information indicating a current position of the moving body terminal. The receiving section is configured to receive from an information providing apparatus simple map information which includes information transmission determining information indicating an information transmission unnecessary region of the simple map information where the position information of the moving body terminal is not required to be transmitted from the moving body terminal to the information providing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of encoding a shortened path definition of a path in a mapping system is described. In one embodiment, a shortened path definition includes only those routing points that are needed to eliminate valid alternate routes.

Abstract: A list of places of interest geographically located near a travel route may be generated by accessing a routing database storing shape points capable of defining a travel route, determining a travel route from the shape points stored in the routing database, accessing a place of interest database including geographic centers, selecting from the places of interest database at least one geographic center that is geographically proximate to the travel route, and generating a list of places of interest associated with at least one of the selected geographic centers.

Abstract: A PC of a travel support system displays running video of a predetermined route, and if a predetermined intersection is set as a warning point by a user, sends warning point setting information to a server. If the server acquires the warning point setting information from the PC, the server updates a user DB. A navigational device sends travel route related information of a travel route set by the user to the server. The server sends detailed guidance information of the warning point included in the traveling route set in the navigational device to the navigational device. Upon arrival at the warning point, the navigational device notifies detailed guidance, and upon arrival at an existing guidance point, the navigational device notifies existing guidance.