Abstract: In a road data frame for displaying road maps, each node/link data record describing a link corresponding to a road part includes link identification information identifying an original link, and auxiliary link identification information used for identifying a plurality of alternative links which substitute for any of the original links in the map data. In a route planning data frame for route planning, each connection record describing the interconnection of nodes also includes corresponding link identification information identifying an original link, and corresponding auxiliary link identification information used for identifying a plurality of alternative links which substitute for any of the original links in the map data. By means of identification information of the original link and auxiliary links, it is facilitated to identify the correlation among links in the road data frame and the route planning data frame having different versions.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for gathering and disseminating travel conditions. These conditions may include traffic congestion and air quality data such as CO, NOx, and Ozone (O3) concentration levels, or meteorological conditions. In some embodiments, fleet vehicles already operating within a given area are equipped with monitoring devices to collect the desired data. The collected data may be transmitted to a central computer that associates the data with a road map and disseminates the data to the public. Dissemination may occur in a variety of ways including providing the data to radio stations for broadcast, posting the data on a website or pushing the data to navigation systems in vehicles or mobile communications devices such as cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs).

Abstract: A guide system for delivering data between a guide apparatus and a terminal without installing a data carrier reader. This guide system comprises a guide apparatus and a radio apparatus that is a terminal communicating with the guide apparatus. In the guide apparatus, guide data is generated on the basis of conditional data transmitted from the radio apparatus, the guide data is transmitted to the radio apparatus, and the conditional data is received from the radio apparatus. The radio apparatus comprises a communication unit which receives the guide data generated by the guide apparatus and transmits the conditional data to the guide apparatus. Thus, the radio apparatus receives and utilizes the guide data transmitted by the guide apparatus.

Abstract: A method of navigating a vehicle includes determining a route. At least one probable off-route condition is determined based on the route. Digital map information is transmitted based on the determination of the at least one probable off-route condition from a call center to a vehicle telematics unit via a wireless connection.

Abstract: To provide a convenient selection of origin and/or destination of a route, in an on-line map service, the user is permitted to select and view a map and select any point from the displayed map as one of the points necessary for computation of a route. In an example, the user selects a start point, and the client device provides pixel coordinates of the first selected point. The user then selects the other point from the map, and the client device provides coordinates of the other selected point. A GIS program at the client converts the coordinates to map units and communicates with the server in order to access map information, compute a route, and send back route information for presentation to the user. The resulting route information, for example, may take the form of a map display highlighting the route or textual instructions for traveling the route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inputting destination data into a navigation system as well as a mobile terminal and a navigation system for executing this method. The mobile terminal having a short range wireless interface is brought into contact with the navigation system. The mobile terminal selects at least one data record including data concerning an address. Then, it transfers the at least one data record via the short range interface to the navigation system. The navigation system extracts from the received data record destination data capable to be used as source for a destination processed by the navigation system.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a display device and a information processing apparatus. The display device includes: a first arithmetic processing unit; a display unit at which information is displayed as a bitmap; and an interface unit that can be connected with the external information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: an interface unit that can be connected with the display device; and a second arithmetic processing unit that executes a specific type of processing. The first arithmetic processing unit controls the display unit so as to display information related to the specific type of processing transmitted from the information processing apparatus and also executes another type of processing related to the specific type of processing based upon an instruction provided by the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A information providing system for use in a vehicle. The system includes a processor having a global positioning system (GPS) incorporated therein positioned at a predetermined location within said vehicle. A passenger interface is positioned within the vehicle and connected to the processor for controlling the processor. A service provider is located remotely from the vehicle for storing and selectively distributing content to the processor. A communication network connects the service provider to the processor. The GPS obtains information regarding a geographic location of the vehicle and provides the information to the service provider for analysis thereof. The service provider parses the stored content and distributes geographically pertinent content to the processor for display on the passenger interface.

Abstract: A method for modifying navigation information is disclosed. The method can be used to reduce the amount of information sent to an on board unit by modifying the navigation information. Generally, the modification is done in a way that the information losses associated with the modified or reduced navigation information is not apparent to a user. In some cases, map elements associated with the navigation information can be eliminated or combined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting coordinate values of map data, wherein three-dimensional effects are displayed on a screen by converting two-dimensional coordinate values of objects constituting a map without using a three-dimensional graphic library and an additional storage space.

Abstract: The present invention provides for delivering content, such as information, advertisements, directions, and news, to a mobile terminal based on location. The mobile terminal is configured to determine its location and whether content is available based on internal records. If content is available, the mobile terminal may initiate correspondence with an application server to obtain the content. The mobile terminal may keep a table identifying the availability of content for defined locations. Preferably, the locations relate to cells within a wireless network wherein the mobile terminal will check for the availability of content for a given cell and request the content. The mobile terminal may check for the availability of content periodically or when the servicing cell changes.

Abstract: A system and method for formatting and transferring navigation information is disclosed. The system and method can send and receive navigation information. The navigation information can be formatted and transferred using different coordinate systems. In some cases, an absolute coordinate system is used and in other cases, a relative coordinate system is used to encode or express various map features. This can assist in reducing the amount of information transferred and can facilitate rapid delivery of the navigation information.

Abstract: A distribution system, in which a user of a terminal can change a mark freely on mark data or map data distributed by a center system, includes a center system and a terminal. The system comprises a map database 1 for storing map data, a traffic control center 3 for controlling traffic restriction and congestion information, a communication unit 4 for transmitting and receiving the mark data to and from the terminal, a mark database 5 for storing the mark data, and a center server 2 for controlling configurations of the center system. When there is a request to distribute the mark data from the terminal, the center server 2 picks up the mark data from the mark database 5 and distributes it to the terminal, and the mark data transmitted from the terminal is stored in the mark database 5.

Abstract: An information display system for displaying a map that covers an area around a pre-registered point relevant to a date or a date and time. The position of the pre-registered point on the map is readily and accurately identified using the operator's selection of the date or the date and time. The information display system, include a map information storage in which map information is stored; an input device to input a designated point relevant to a date or a date and time; a schedule information storage unit in which the designated point is stored relevant to a date or a date and time; a display device on which a calendar and a map are displayed; and a display control device by which a map covering a point relevant to a date, or a date and time, either of which being selected from the calendar, is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: The invention provides a navigation apparatus and a navigation server capable of providing information to the user enabling comparison between a route that the user is actually traveling and a different route. According to a car navigation apparatus 200, a route setup unit 230 sets up plural routes. An actual route recognition unit 231 recognizes an “actual route” of the vehicle M. Further, a virtual route recognition unit 232 recognizes a “virtual route” that differs from the actual route. Moreover, a virtual travel information recognition unit 240 recognizes a “virtual travel information” containing a virtual position of the vehicle M on the virtual route. The actual travel information, the actual route, the virtual travel information and the virtual route are displayed on a liquid crystal panel 250.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding system for wireless terminals. In the system, position-specific information of route points of the route on which a first wireless terminal travels is determined and it is sent to a guiding server. Supplementary data used for guiding the route are stored in the first terminal in response to a request of the user. The supplementary data are associated with the position information, and the guiding server compiles and stores route information comprising position information and supplementary data. The route information is transmitted from the guiding server to at least one wireless terminal in response to the route request. The position of the terminal is determined and the received route information is presented in the terminal so that said supplementary data are presented when the terminal is in places with which the supplementary data are associated.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus has a simple map installed therein. When a map is desired, it is checked whether or not a map of a desired place exists in the simple map. If it exists, the map of the desired place is loaded from the simple map, or if it does not exist, the map of the desired place is downloaded from a navigation server.

Abstract: For the purpose of making available route data for a navigational device, an overall route is divided up into route segments which each include a part of the overall route. A first route segment is transmitted to the navigational device, upon its request, which around the starting point includes a starting field including a plurality of possible routes, as well as a main route to an intermediate destination. Before the intermediate destination is reached, a further route segment is transmitted to the navigational device, which includes a plurality of possible routes around the intermediate destination as its starting field, as well as a main route to an additional intermediate destination or to the destination itself. The latter step is repeated for route segments for further intermediate destinations until the destination is reached.

Abstract: A navigation terminal device includes a map information receiving unit for receiving the map of the region around a reference point from the web server by inputting retrieval information; a display screen for displaying the received map; a route line drawing unit for drawing the destination from the starting point of the reference point by screen scrolling, computing the orientation from the reference point to the destination, and displaying the route line which can be traced from the reference point to the destination; a map information requesting unit for requesting again that the web server distributes the map information of the adjacent peripheral region if the destination is not within the received map of the peripheral region; and a route line re-drawing unit for searching the destination by screen scrolling the updated map information, re-compute the orientation and re-draw the route line.

Abstract: An information delivery server and clients, which can deliver geographic information to a user based on a reaching possibility such as a physical distance or time from a place such as a location of the user or a place where the user had an interest, is provided. A user inputs his/her interested place information and a range condition at a place condition inputting means. A user managing means manages user IDs and identifies a user and attaches the user ID of the user to the inputted information, and stores them in a user interested place database. A map information retrieving means retrieves a map database under the conditions of the interested place information and the range condition storing in the user interested place database, and obtains information such as a list of building names, and place names, and so on within the range from the map database.

Abstract: A navigation system and navigation equipment which reduce the time required for radio transmissions to implement fast navigational guidance. The navigation equipment communicates bi-directionally by radio with a navigation server, thereby providing navigational guidance. The navigation equipment transmits position data delivered by a GPS receiver to the navigation server through a communication device and acquires, from the communication device, map data for display indicative of a map of a surrounding area including a self-location provided by the position data sent back from the navigation server.

Abstract: A geospatial database management system is mounted on a host vehicle and manages geospatial data relating to a travel path for the host vehicle, the travel path having one or more lanes. A geospatial database stores data elements indicative of objects and a location of the objects in three-dimensional space. The objects have a lane-level resolution and the location is accurate to within an order of one decimeter or better. A database manager component is configured to maintain the data elements in the geospatial database and receive database queries from a driver assist subsystem configured to assist a driver of the host vehicle. A query processor is coupled to the database manager component and to the geospatial database and is configured to receive the database query from the database manager component. The query processor queries the geospatial database and returns query results to the database manager component. This can be done in real time.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for providing route guidance and other information from a base unit to a remote unit in response to a request from the remote unit. A query is formatted at the remote unit, the query including the request, and is transmitted from the remote unit to the base unit. Requested route guidance information is calculated at the base unit in response to the query, using a large up-to-date database located at the base unit. A response to the query is formatted at the base unit, the response including route guidance information. The response is then transmitted from the base unit to the remote unit for display. The transmission is made in a compact form through the use of maneuver arms and combined maneuver arms and through the use of tokenized forms. A maneuver arm represents a road at an intersection, for depiction on a display, by one or two endpoint coordinates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a detailed map of a selected area of a displayed map received through a network are provided. If a detailed map of a particular area is requested by a user, data on the detailed map for the particular area is provided by a map provider server through a network and combined with data on the original map. A map including maps drawn to two different scales is displayed on a display device, i.e., the original map is continuously displayed while only the particular area is replaced by the detailed map. Therefore, the readability of the map is improved, and desired geographical information can be easily obtained.

Abstract: An inter-vehicle communication method according to the present invention performs communication by sequentially relaying transmission information among vehicles. For broadcasting the transmission information to peripheral vehicles, a vehicle transmitting the transmission information designates relay vehicles and causes the relay vehicles to broadcast reception information to peripheral vehicles of the relay vehicles. In order to designate the relay vehicles, the vehicle transmitting the transmission information receives positional information from its peripheral vehicles, identifies branch roads on which the respective peripheral vehicles exist by referring to map information, and designates as relay vehicles peripheral vehicles farthest away from the vehicle transmitting the transmission information on the respective branch roads.

Abstract: A data transmitting and receiving method between a mobile terminal and an information center in a navigation system is disclosed. The present invention is characterized in that if lower items of a destination are not received from the information center in the middle of receiving destination setting items to set the destination after the mobile terminal transmits a destination setting request message to the information center, the mobile terminal sends a reconnection request message and stored destination setting data.

Abstract: A method for operating a navigation system and a navigation system for a vehicle, in which data regarding geographic positions of the vehicle are ascertained by a positioning system and transmitted to an electronic data processing device having access to a database and a digital road map, on the basis of this data the location of the vehicle on the digital road map is determined and destination guidance instructions are output visually and/or acoustically to the driver of the vehicle, wherein additional information can be stored in the navigation system and can be retrieved as necessary by the driver and/or other passengers in the vehicle and output via the navigation system, this additional information being loaded into the navigation system in the form of program “navlets” which are usable by the driver and/or other passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for communicating navigation information includes receiving destination information from a user. The destination information comprises a desired destination of the user. The method includes determining a first route to the destination and communicating the first route to the user. The method includes monitoring position information of a plurality of vehicles and identifying an area causing traffic delay using the position information of the plurality of vehicles. The method also includes determining a second route to the destination to avoid the area and communicating the second route to the user.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing location information in a mobile communication system. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving coordinates of current location of a GPS terminal and a request for location information which includes coordinates of geographical features adjacent to the GPS terminal from the GPS terminal; b) generating location information having coordinates of the geographical features adjacent to the GPS terminal; and c) transmitting the location information to the GPS terminal.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a navigation-related information server and one or more customer-interface servers. Each customer-interface server receives requests for navigation-related information from end users who have end user computing platforms. The end users send their requests for navigation-related information from end user computing platforms over a data network to the customer-interface servers. In order to respond to the end users, the customer-interface servers request language and format-independent navigation-related information from the navigation-related information server. The navigation-related information server receives the requests from the customer-interface servers. To response to each request for navigation-related information, the navigation-related information server uses one or more geographic databases to formulate language- and format-independent data structures. These language- and format-independent data structures are sent to the customer-interface servers.

Abstract: A method for determining and outputting travel instructions is described, which functions to support a user through travel instructions, a sequence of travel instructions being determined by a central station, so that a data terminal of a user may be configured in a simple manner.

Abstract: A navigation system for route guidance is provided. The navigation system comprises a navigation server storing map information and the mobile terminal displaying map information. The mobile terminal has access to the navigation server through a communication network and is controlled to turn on and off the display of map information.

Abstract: Vehicles (106) are equipped with two-way communication units (401) that communicate with roadside (114) and vehicular mounted two-way communication units to receive and/or exchange journey-related information. When approaching a geographic zone that does not support such services, a given vehicle (106) can receive at least a partial download of journey-related information concerning the second geographic zone (102) while still proximal to the entry border (107) for that zone (102). The download can be implemented wirelessly, through hard physical contact, or both. The download may also be at least partially concluded while traveling within the second geographic zone (102) through use of a second non-compatible wireless service such as wireless telephony.

Abstract: A method for transmitting location-related data information between a main station and a mobile terminal is described, as well as a main station and a mobile terminal are described, which provide a position tracing of the mobile terminal or a navigational application on the display device of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may include a mobile telecommunications terminal. In a first step, a position of a mobile terminal is ascertained and transmitted to the main station. In a second step, location-related data information for the mobile terminal is formed in the main station, in dependence upon the ascertained position of the mobile terminal. In a third step, the location-related data information is transmitted from the main station to the mobile terminal. In a fourth step, the location-related data information received is brought to reproduction on a reproduction device of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A map data transmitting server is interconnected with a vehicle terminal through a wireless network. The vehicle terminal determines a range of cells of which cell data are required for navigation based on vehicle state information, and requests the map data transmitting server to transmit the cell data of the cells thereto.

Abstract: A road traffic information output apparatus includes: a road traffic information obtaining device that obtains road traffic information; a decision-making device that determines in advance a specific area for which road traffic information will need to be output; and a control device that implements control to output road traffic information that has been obtained by the road traffic information obtaining device for the specific area determined in advance, when the road traffic information for the specific area determined in advance by the decision-making device is required.

Abstract: Process for transmitting status messages to user terminals of a satellite data transmission system that transmits data formed as navigation blocks. The process includes reserving at least one selected data area in the navigation data blocks, splitting status messages into status data blocks that are smaller than the navigation data blocks, inserting the status data blocks into consecutive reserved data areas of the navigation data blocks and inserting, when the status messages are modified, modification message data blocks into subsequent reserved data areas of the navigation data blocks in place of one or more status data blocks of the status messages. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting simple recognition of a position to make simple recognition of a position of an object including a processor which stores place-name information corresponding to each position,fetches position information to show the current position of the object, selects the place-name information corresponding to the fetched position information generates assistant information to display the selected place name information and outputs the assistant information.

Abstract: An electronic device is built including a memory, a processor, and a display. The processor is configured to calculate an array of estimated travel time data from a first location to a plurality of locations within a destination area from a set of situational parameters and a set of user parameters. These situational parameters may include data such as: the location, condition, and speed limits of roads and paths; the availability of public transportation; terrain information such as elevation, slope, the presence of trails and vegetation; and weather information such as wind speed and precipitation. User parameters may include data such as: the user's mode of transportation, the user's physical abilities, and the load the user is carrying.

Abstract: A traffic information distribution system includes a distribution device for synthesizing pieces of traffic information supplied from a traffic information center, an output device for outputting pieces of traffic information distributed from the distribution device, and a data communicator that is connected to the output device and that can communicate with the distribution device in a bidirectional manner. The distribution device responds to a request signal transmitted from the output device via the data communicator, effectively synthesizes the pieces of traffic information in consideration not only of a request made by a user, recognizability at the time of output, a state of a map on a display screen and a range of the map, but also of various factors in which actual road conditions are reflected. The pieces of the traffic information that have been synthesized are distributed via the data communicator to the output device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting position information of a digital map capable of transmitting a position on a digital map efficiently and accurately in which a transmitting side transmits position information including coordinate series information for specifying a vector shape on a digital map and a receiving side execute map matching by the coordinate series information to the thereby identify the vector shape on the digital map, the coordinate series information is transmitted by adding azimuth information of a coordinate point included in the information thereto. By transmitting shape data by adding the azimuth information thereto, accuracy of matching can be promoted and necessary time for matching can be shortened.

Abstract: In a method of transmitting digitally encoded traffic messages, the traffic messages being transmitted according to a standardized structure, in particular according to the TMC method, where a header precedes the digitally encoded traffic messages, and the digitally encoded traffic message is followed by at least one additional item of information, and one of these items of information contains a place description, the additional information is divided into classes, each class having a class identifier and at least one packet. One class contains presentation data.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a method of transmitting position information of a digital map which can enhance matching precision on a receiving side. The invention provides a method of transmitting position information of a digital map in which a transmitting side transmits a vector shape on the digital map and a receiving side specifies the vector shape on a self-digital map by map matching, wherein the transmitting side selects a portion in which a plurality of candidate points are generated with difficulty during the map matching as an endpoint of the vector shape and transmits the vector shape having the endpoint in the portion to the receiving side. Mismatching on the receiving side can be prevented and the position information on the digital map can be transmitted accurately.

Abstract: A map data distribution system includes a navigation apparatus and a map distribution server. The navigation apparatus is connected to the map distribution server through a predetermined network. The navigation apparatus transmits a distribution request to the map distribution server. The distribution request includes distribution conditions relating to the amount of map data to be distributed. The map distribution server transmits area information to the navigation apparatus. The area information shows a geographical area of the map data that is transmittable under the distribution conditions. The navigation apparatus displays, in accordance with the transmitted area information, a map area of the map data transmittable in a single distribution operation under the distribution conditions and superimposes it on the map. The navigation apparatus transmits a downloading instruction in which one or more map areas are specified by a user to the map distribution server.

Abstract: A real-time vehicular traffic flow display system employs groups of monitor stations positioned at spaced-apart locations along vehicular roadways, to sense the speed of traffic flow on a given portion of a route. Individual section stations each serve a sequential group of different monitor stations. Each monitor station senses the speed of vehicular traffic a given road portion and transmits corresponding information to an associated section station; each section station processes the received signals, and transmits them to display stations on board vehicles in addition to sending the signals to an optional geographic area central station. The signals transmitted to vehicles present information concerning traffic speed for each monitored portion of a road in addition to identifying the road portion; traffic speed information is processed to identify predetermined ranges of average speed in selected colors.

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly located within the interior cabin of a vehicle, a first wireless communication link in short-range wireless communication with a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle and a second wireless communication link to a provider of information or service external to the vehicle. At least one manually operated control is provided at the interior rearview mirror assembly for facilitating operation of the communication system. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, preferably comprising a semitransparent reflector with a display element located behind the reflective element that is operable to display information provided by the external provider, the presence of the display element behind said reflector being preferably substantially masked from notice by a driver of the vehicle until the display element displays information.

Abstract: An information center generates packets of route guidance information, each corresponding to a prescribed road length of a recommended route. The information center may generate major guide point information and guidance information and transmit both to a vehicular apparatus. The vehicular apparatus provides guidance only for major guide points based on the received major guide point information if it cannot receive the guidance information. According to another aspect of the invention, if the end of a route segment which was the subject of the preceding route guidance information is on an expressway or toll road, guidance information for a preliminary route from that end to an escape position ahead on the expressway or toll road is first transmitted and then information for a remaining route, that is a segment of the recommended route having the prescribed road length minus the preliminary route, is then transmitted.

Abstract: A method for displaying a map includes storing map data on a server including a plurality of layers, which include vector information delineating features in the map belonging to a respective feature category, and a set of templates, each such template being associated with a respective one of the layers and indicating a visual characteristic of the features in the layer with which the template is associated. At least a subset of the templates is downloaded to a client device from the server, as is the vector information in a portion of one or more of the layers of the map data corresponding to a selected area of the map. Based on the downloaded vector information, an image of the selected area of the map is rendered on the client device in accordance with the visual characteristic indicated by the downloaded templates.

Abstract: A communication navigation system that performs navigation, using map data stored in a map database site and current position data about navigation terminals, by transmitting the map data to the navigation terminals via a communication network such as the Internet, wherein the map data includes data units respectively corresponding to a plurality of display elements for display on a map, and the data units are given respective priority levels. The map database site is provided with a server for transmitting the data units via the communication network according to the respective priority levels. Each navigation terminal is provided with a transmitter/receiver for sequentially receiving the data units transmitted from the server, and a display subsystem for sequentially displaying the display elements respectively corresponding to the data units received by the transmitter/receiver, on the map.

Abstract: PDA systems, devices and methods are provided for improved navigational route planning. The PDA provides more understandable, accurate and timely information for negotiating a decision point along a route. The PDA includes a processor operable to communicate with a memory. The memory has cartographic data and a route to a desired destination stored therein. The cartographic data includes data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types. A display is provided which is adapted to communicate with the processor and the memory and which is capable of displaying the cartographic data. The PDA processes travel along the route. The PDA recognizes when the device is approaching a decision point in the route and provides to the display an overlay screen on top of any presently displayed screen, the overlay screen adapted to display a preview of a decision point.