Abstract: A method for cropping photos images captured by a user from an image of a page of a photo album is described. Corners in the page image are detected using corner detection algorithm or by detecting intersections of line-segments (and their extensions) in the image using edge, corner, or line detection techniques. Pairs of the detected corners are used to define all potential quads, which are then are qualified according to various criteria. A correlation matrix is generated for each potential pair of the qualified quads, and candidate quads are selected based on the Eigenvector of the correlation matrix. The content of the selected quads is checked using a salience map that may be based on a trained neuron network, and the resulting photos images are extracted as individual files for further handling or manipulation by the user.

Abstract: A position measurement section of an on-board device measures a position of a vehicle. A travelling position identification section identifies a travelling position of the vehicle on map data based on the measured position of the vehicle and the map data. Then, a position error measurement section computes error information indicating the difference between the measured position of the vehicle and travelling position. Then, a communications section transmits the error information and the position information to a server. A communication section of the server receives the transmitted error information and position information. An error registration section stores the error information in an error database in association with the received position information. Then, for each respective item of position information, a priority level setting section sets a priority level corresponding to the position information based on the error information stored in the error database.

Abstract: In embodiments the invention provides methods and systems for improved monitoring of roadways and related resources. The methods employ frugal devices such as remote webcams, and provide methods for improving the quality and usefulness of the data obtained from such devices.

Abstract: Techniques to create and use a data transfer guide are disclosed. In various embodiments, at least a portion of application code comprising an application is executed in a virtual machine execution environment. An interaction between the application code executing in the virtual machine execution environment with a data entity included in a set of production data is observed programmatically. A data that represents the data entity is included in a data transfer guide at least in part programmatically.

Abstract: A request for geographic content is received from a client device. The request includes (i) an indication that a user invoked the digital mapping service in a vehicle and (ii) an identifier of the user. In response to the request, profile data for the user is automatically retrieved. The profile data includes indications of previous interactions of the user with a digital mapping service. Geographic content then is generated based on the indications of previous interactions in view of relevance of the previous interactions to an automotive context. The generated geographic content is provided to the client device for presentation in the vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying a 3d map view of a 3d geographical map are provided. A database stores data which defines the 3d geographical map in a layered hierarchy comprising data layers which can be individually rendered for the 3d map view. The database comprises a data layer of a digital terrain model which is modelling a terrain surface and a data layer of a 3d road network comprising 3d road elements. A processor is configured for selecting specific data layers of the database in response to a resolution setting of the 3d map view and to render the 3d map view using the selected specific data layer.

Abstract: A cluster apparatus for a vehicle includes a display panel of which a plurality of graphic entities corresponding to driving information, additional information, a background, and an edge are displayed on a display area including a driving information display area, an additional information display area, and a background display area. A vehicle state detector is configured to detect a dynamic characteristic of the vehicle to generate vehicle state information. A driver state detector is configured to detect a driver's eye on the vehicle to generate driver state information. A user interface (UI) changer is configured to change any one of the plurality of graphic entities and the display area according to a user mode selected, the vehicle state information, and the driver state information.

Abstract: A route guide device includes a current position acquisition unit that acquires a current position, an input unit that inputs a destination, a route search unit that searches for a route from the current position to the destination, a level storage unit that stores a of user's learning level of road information, a route overview generation unit that generates entire route information for the entire route on the basis of the route found through the search and the learning level stored in the level storage unit, and a notification unit that notifies of the entire route information generated by the route overview generation unit.

Abstract: On a mobile device a “live” network-based query for search is performed (e.g., performed automatically) in response to a map display update or other trigger event. In some implementations, when the map display is updated (or other trigger event occurs) a network-based map service is queried to obtain information related to the current location of the mobile device. The information can be presented on the map display. In some implementations, when multiple search results matching the query are provided by the map service, a confirmation request is presented on the mobile device to allow the user to select a search result. The selected search result (e.g., a destination) can be presented on the map display. A route from the current location of the mobile device to a destination can be drawn on the map display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing observation data. Processes and capabilities include: obtaining images and metadata associated with the images; encoding the images and the metadata to generate encoded tiles; storing the encoded tiles in an encoded tiles database; receiving a request for a map tile; searching the encoded tiles database and obtaining the encoded tiles that are relevant to the request; merging data from the encoded tiles into the map tile; and outputting the map tile. The images and metadata may be obtained from Earth observation platforms, including satellites or aircraft. The map tiles may include spectral content, data source identification, acquisition date/time, sensor characteristics, sun angles, calibration parameters, a cloud mask, a snow mask, a land mask, a water mask, and a missing data mask.

Abstract: Ranking of geographic information includes receiving information about geographic features, identifying documents based on the information, each document being associated with one of the geographic features, and generating a rank score for each document based on one or more properties of the geographic feature associated with the document.

Abstract: Road geometries may be determined from sparse data by receiving mobile device data points comprising data indicating positions of vehicles having traveled on a roadway of a geographic area, the roadway involving a convergence or divergence of road branches for the roadway. At least one trajectory angle for a particular mobile device data point of the mobile device data points may be determined using at least one trajectory line connecting the particular mobile device data point to an adjacent mobile device data point, and mobile device data points may be grouped based on the trajectory angles.

Abstract: An apparatus installed on a host vehicle derives travel locus/condition information relating each of a plurality of reception positions on the vehicle to a corresponding reception condition (e.g., received signal strength), and updates the information at each of successive positions along a travel locus of the vehicle. The currently obtained information is compared with reference travel locus/condition information previously obtained by travel along a reference travel locus, in the same travel direction, by the host vehicle or similar vehicle. Degrees of similarity between the currently obtained information and the reference information are evaluated, and the results used to detect changes in position of the host vehicle along a direction at right angles to its advancement direction.

Abstract: Architecture that enables the preservation of label readability in a scene (e.g., map, map tiles, graphical background, etc.) by way of label orientation relative to a fixed heading on a plane or curved surface. After identifying an initial fixed heading, movement of the camera (e.g., zoom-in, zoom-out, position change, etc.) in the scene along that heading without changing the camera heading as measured relative to a fixed point does not alter label orientation. In a mapping implementation, after identifying an initial fixed camera heading over terrain of the Earth, movement of the camera (e.g., zoom-in, zoom-out, position change, etc.) in the scene without changing the camera heading as measured relative to some fixed point does not change label orientation. The orientation of labels may be changed if the heading of the camera is altered, but this change is delayed until camera movement quiesces.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing miniaturized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. The techniques and systems can include significant off-board processing support for the UAVs to enable the UAVs to be smaller, lighter, and less expensive than conventional UAVs. The techniques and systems can include routines to provide enhanced support for police during routine traffic stops. The techniques and systems can also include routines to locate objects or people including, for example, locating a lost child in a crowd or a lost vehicle in a parking lot. The miniaturized UAVs can provide enhances perception for the user to enable the user to over and around objects for improved visibility and safety, among other things.

Abstract: Example embodiments described herein pertain to a geographic information system (GIS), configured to obtain geospatial data representing a geographic area, assign a projection and coordinate system to the geospatial data, apply a transformation to the geospatial data, and generate a tile cache based on the transformed geospatial data, the tile cache including the determined projection and coordinate system.

Abstract: A map matching device for a positioning device includes an inertial detect module, measuring a moving signal generated from the positioning device, a movement estimation module, estimating location information of the positioning device according to the moving signal, a map data storage module, storing a plurality of types of map feature information of an environment where the positioning device is located, and a matching module, matching the location information with the plurality of types of map feature information for performing map matching processes, and providing a positioning coordinate.

Abstract: A sketch is received. The sketch includes one or more sketched graphical elements and one or more sketched representations of text. Pattern matching of the one or more sketched graphical elements and the one or more sketched representations of text with a map region is performed. A map image of the map region is generated and displayed.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for predictive tiling. These techniques predict tiles of content to pre-render so that an application will be ready to render content quickly in response to a user manipulation. By so doing, these techniques enable fast manipulation of content without unduly impacting drawing resources.

Abstract: Dynamically downloading map data to a wireless communications device is achieved by determining a map data density for an area of interest and then dynamically downloading and optionally also dynamically displaying the map data for the area of interest based on the map data density. For areas of interest with low map data density, this technology has the effect of downloading more map data so that the map is displayed with more detail than would conventionally be obtained. Conversely, for areas of interest with excessively high map data density, dynamic downloading and display can reduce the onscreen map density for a less crowded map.

Abstract: Content interaction technology, in which data used in defining a point of interest that supplements content arranged in a channel is accessed. The accessed data defines timing information that indicates when the point of interest is used, output information that defines how the point of interest is output, and action information that defines one or more actions that occur based on user interaction with the point of interest. The point of interest is defined based on the timing information, the output information, and the action information and associated with the channel and/or a content link arranged in the channel. During a time at which a user has selected the channel, output of the point of interest in addition to content defined by the channel is controlled. An indication that the user interacted with the point of interest is received and an action defined by the action information is performed.

Abstract: On a mobile device a “live” network-based query for search is performed (e.g., performed automatically) in response to a map display update or other trigger event. In some implementations, when the map display is updated (or other trigger event occurs) a network-based map service is queried to obtain information related to the current location of the mobile device. The information can be presented on the map display. In some implementations, when multiple search results matching the query are provided by the map service, a confirmation request is presented on the mobile device to allow the user to select a search result. The selected search result (e.g., a destination) can be presented on the map display. A route from the current location of the mobile device to a destination can be drawn on the map display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented navigational method includes transmitting, from a mobile computing device to a computer server system, data that can be used to determine a start point and an end point of a trip. The method also includes receiving navigational information defining a route between the start point and the end point, and a plurality of digital photographic images that have previously been taken along the route, sensing motion of the mobile computing device along the route, and displaying updated images from the plurality of images that substantially match a geographic position of the mobile computing device along the route.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis system that generates virtual endoscopic image data on a lumen of an organ of an object based on volume data acquired by three-dimensional scanning of the object, includes: a unit that sets a three-dimensional region of interest for the volume data; a unit that sets a center line of the lumen of the organ in the volume data based on the acquired volume data; a unit that detects a reference point at which a reference plane of the three-dimensional region of interest and the center line intersect with each other; a unit that sets a viewpoint and a view direction based on the reference point; a virtual endoscopic image data generating unit that processes the volume data based on the viewpoint and the view direction to generate the virtual endoscopic image data; and a display unit that displays the generated virtual endoscopic image data.

Abstract: A navigation system (NS) may include a processor that can retrieve geographic map data from a database, where the geographic map data includes polygonal chains. The processor can determine a straightness value, a length ratio, and/or an angle-to-length ratio for each of the polygonal chains based on segments and/or vertices of the polygonal chain. Also, a first class and a second class of the polygonal chains can be determined based on one or more of the three determined values for each of the polygonal chains. The first class may represent roads that are less winding than the second class, and such an attribute may be beneficial in selecting an optimal route.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a map information storage section (16) that stores map information on an area by area basis formed in meshes; a positioning section (15) for measuring its own present location; a new road detecting section (19) for deciding that a new road is detected when the present location is determined to be on a road not included in the map information; a new road registration decision section (20) for deciding that the new road is registerable to the map information stored in the map information storage section when the road density in the area including the new road is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a new road registration section (21) for registering the new road to the map information stored in the map information storage section, when the new road is determined to be registerable.

Abstract: Map labels are dynamically downloaded to a wireless communication device for efficiently labelling a map displayed on the device. A method of dynamically downloading map labels to a wireless communications device includes steps of determining a size of label data for an area of interest and dynamically downloading the label data for the area of interest based on the size of the label data. Optionally, map labels can be dynamically downloaded based on a label prioritization scheme that takes into account the current position of the device. Optionally, the size of the label data can be determined from a map data index.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a driving directions subsystem configured to provide data representative of driving directions to an access device communicatively coupled to the driving directions subsystem. The driving directions subsystem is further configured to provide at least one selection tool to the access device. The selection tool enables a user of the access device to select a subset of the driving directions for printing. In certain embodiments, the driving directions include a plurality of driving steps, and the selection tool enables the user of the access device to select, for each driving step, between including the driving step in and omitting the driving step from the printing.

Abstract: A method comprising: presenting a three-dimensional environment, comprising routes, to a user by using a selected one of a plurality of perspective views of the environment that corresponds to a current position on a current route; detecting a gesture user input comprising a characteristic that changes in time, and changing the current position on the current route to a new position on a route in response to the gesture user input wherein a first characteristic of the gesture user input determines a direction along the current route of the new position relative to the current position and a second characteristic of the gesture user input determines the new position; and presenting the three-dimensional environment, comprising routes, to the user by using a newly selected one of the plurality of perspective views of the environment that corresponds to the new position.

Abstract: If a destination set on a display 3 is a facility not having connection relation between facilities stored in a facility information DB 84, a scroll direction detecting unit 92 that detects a scroll direction of a map 31 detects a direction instructed for scroll as the scroll direction and a display controlling unit 94 performs scroll of the map 31 in the scroll direction. In addition, if the set destination is a facility having the connection relation between the facilities, the scroll direction detecting unit 92 that detects a scroll direction of the map 31 detects the scroll direction based on the connection relation of the destination and the direction instructed for scroll and the display controlling unit 94 performs the scroll of the map 31 to a position of a facility connected to the destination in the scroll direction.

Abstract: An operating state display device for a vehicle includes a display portion that displays an energy transmission state of the vehicle. A display similar to what is shown when no energy is being transmitted to the axle is shown, regardless of the energy transmission state, when two conditions that the vehicle is stopped and that a brake operation is being performed are satisfied.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's speed by adopting a desired speed vset for the vehicle; determining a horizon for the intended itinerary made up of route segments, effecting the following during each of a number of simulation cycles (s) each comprising a number N of simulation steps conducted at a predetermined frequency f: first predicting the vehicle's speed vpred—cc along the horizon with conventional cruise control when vset is presented as reference speed, comparing the predicted vehicle speed vpred—cc in a range vmin to vmax, making a second prediction of the vehicle's speed vpred—Tnew along the horizon based on the vehicle's engine torque T; determining a reference value for how the vehicle's speed is to be influenced on the basis of at least one of the comparisons and the predicted vehicle speed vpred—Tnew; controlling the vehicle by the reference value. A module for the foregoing controls a vehicle's speed.

Abstract: An end-user can input a correction to a map error, directly on the device. The device is then able to use the correction without external processing of the correction. Hence, it is no longer necessary for an end-user to simply report errors to the map vendor over a web link, then wait for that map vendor to verify the error, update its maps and finally supply the end-user with updates—a cycle that can take months and sometimes years to complete. Instead, the navigation device can use the correction immediately. End-users can also share corrections with other end-users and also with a shared remote server that aggregates, validates and distributes correction.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted communication device includes wireless units 3a and 3b that switch a frequency that performs wireless communication with antennas 2a and 2b between a frequency for wireless communication for ITS and a frequency for wireless LAN communication, a parking determination unit 6 that determines whether or not a vehicle is parked, a parking position storage unit 6a that stores as a parking position a position where it is determined that the vehicle is parked by the parking determination unit 6, and a wireless control unit 4 that controls the wireless units 3a and 3b to perform the wireless communication for ITS with the antennas 2a and 2b when the vehicle is running, and switch the wireless communication for ITS or the wireless LAN communication to be performed with the antennas 2a and 2b on the basis of the parking position stored in the parking position storage unit 6a when the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: An object is to prevent a driving assistance system for a vehicle from causing a collision of the driver's own vehicle with a solid object by performing driving assistance. To achieve the object, when a solid object that can be an obstacle exists in the course of the driver's own vehicle, the driving assistance system for a vehicle according to the present invention determines a plurality of primary paths along which the driver's own vehicle can travel by changing the momentum thereof, designates an avoidance line along which the solid object can be avoided from among the primary paths, and changes the momentum of the driver's own vehicle in such a way that the driver's own vehicle travels along the selected avoidance line.

Abstract: A location system for use in locating a vehicle or other object. The system may include displaying directional information on a mobile device, such as but not limited to a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), remote vehicle control device (fob, RKE, passive entry, etc.). The displayed directional information may indicate a direction of travel to the vehicle without requiring the mobile device to rely on GPS satellites to determine a position useful in orientating the user in a direction toward the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method of sharing location information between a map application and a calendar application, the map application pulls calendar event locations from a calendar event store and presents these calendar event locations as suggested locations for the map application. Likewise, the calendar application pulls map locations from a map location data store and presents these map locations as suggested locations for calendar events. By sharing location information between the map application and the calendar applications, these applications become significantly more useful.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: setting a delivery range for establishing a boundary; detecting a current location relative to the delivery range to a destination with the current location for locating a device; generating a travel route from the current location to the destination; selecting a delivery mode based on whether the current location is within the delivery range; and generating a local notification based on activating the delivery mode for displaying on the device.

Abstract: A driving assistance control apparatus includes an own-vehicle position acquiring unit that acquires the position of an own vehicle; a curve information acquiring unit that acquires curve information on a driving course; a continuous curves detecting unit that detects a first curve ahead of the own vehicle and a second curve that exists at a far side of the own vehicle with respect to the first curve and that is continuous to the first curve, based on the acquired position of the own vehicle and the acquired curve information; and a curve alert control unit that controls a curve alerting unit that alerts the presence of the second curve before an entrance of the second curve. The curve alert control unit sets the alert timing of the second curve in accordance with the curve information about the first curve.

Abstract: A methods, apparatus and system are provided for a vehicle with a ground navigational display. The system may include a display, a navigation system determining a location of the vehicle, a database storing a map including locations of buildings on the map and a processor. The processor may be configured to display the map on the display based upon the location of the vehicle, assign a fixed height to all of the buildings displayed on the display, and render the buildings displayed on the display in three-dimensions and having the assigned fixed height.

Abstract: In a method for displaying information in a vehicle, a geographic map is displayed on a display surface, a symbol for the vehicle is displayed within the geographic map, the position of the symbol relative to the geographic map changing as a function of the geographic position of the vehicle, and a graphic object including supplementary information being displayed within the geographic map as a function of the geographic position of the vehicle. An image sequence including multiple images for the graphic object is produced and displayed as a function of the geographic position of the vehicle such that at the end of the image sequence the graphic object has disappeared or can no longer be assigned to the supplementary information. A device is adapted to implement the method described above.

Abstract: A method for displaying images (15, 18, 21) on a display device (3) of a driver assistance system (2) in a motor vehicle (1) is made available. Navigation data is received by the driver assistance system (2), and sensor data relating to the surroundings (10 to 13) of the motor vehicle (1) is acquired by at least one sensor (5a to 5d) of the driver assistance system (2). A control device (4) processes the sensor data to form a surroundings image (15, 18) which shows at least a surrounding area (16, 19) next to the motor vehicle (1?). A map image (21) which is generated while taking into account the navigation data on stored map data is displayed on the display device (3). Enlargement and/or zooming in of the map image (21) take/takes place on the display device (3). After a predetermined mapping scale (zoom factor) of the map image (21) has been reached, there is a change from the map image (21) to the surroundings image (15, 18).

Abstract: A map information delivery system, including a navigation apparatus, is capable of preferentially receiving map updating information based on a host vehicle's state. The updating information may be preferentially received based on whether a destination has been set, a location of the updating information relative to an updating position or a destination, and/or the size of the updating information.

Abstract: Vehicle navigation systems and methods for presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle includes receiving, by a vehicle navigation system, application data from an application operating on the mobile device, wherein the application data from the application represents an entity in proximity to the vehicle. The method further includes displaying an icon representing the application data from the application on a map presented on the vehicle navigation system display. The icon is positioned on the map according to a geographic location of the entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for illustrating travel time. The device includes a display screen, a starting point indicator, a destination indicator, a travel path, and a progress indicator. The starting point indicator represents a starting point and is adapted for display on the display screen. The destination indicator represents a destination point and is adapted for display on the display screen. The travel path represents a path of travel between the starting point and the destination point. The progress indicator is adapted to indicate a point between the starting point indicator and the destination indicator and is adapted for movement along the travel path. A method for illustrating travel time comprises displaying a starting point indicator on a display screen, displaying a destination indicator on the display screen, and displaying a progress indicator.

Abstract: Providing machine-generated travel directions with customized augmentations to enhance the navigation process. To provide machine-generated travel directions, a user submitted starting location, destination location, and meta-data associated with the user is used to generate a route between the starting location and destination location Annotations to the route are derived based on the meta-data associated with the user or characteristics associated with the route. The annotations are then ranked according to a determined priority. The route generated between the starting location and the destination location, and augmented with the ranked annotations, is displayed to the user.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: Display systems, methods, and programs generate and display an arrow object superimposed on an actual image of a road ahead of a vehicle. The systems, methods, and programs access information about a lane change route for guiding the vehicle when changing from a travel lane to a recommended lane. The systems, methods, and programs generate and display a travel lane part of the arrow object, a crossing part of the arrow object, and a recommended lane part of the arrow object, each as a superimposed image on the recommended lane. As remaining distance from a current position of the vehicle to the junction becomes smaller, a distance of a directional component along the travel lane for at least one of the travel lane part, the crossing part, and the recommended lane part is shortened.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for determining the parking difficulty of segments of a geographic area. A system may include portable computers and vehicle navigation systems traversing segments of a geographic area. Location tracks may be received corresponding to the paths of the vehicles. The location tracks may be evaluated to determine if they are from a vehicle searching for parking. Some segments of the searching-for-parking location tracks may be included in a circle event, and the number circle events that include a segment may indicate the difficulty of parking in that segment. The parking difficulty may be expressed as a parking difficulty index and may be transmitted to a computer for view on an interactive map or for use in determining directions to a destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an aircraft fix. A fix for an aircraft is identified, wherein the fix is a location of the aircraft. A fix identifier is displayed in a plan view display, wherein the fix identifier indicates a location of the fix on a map background in the plan view display. A fix formation identifier is displayed in the plan view display, wherein the fix formation identifier indicates a direction from a navigational aid to the fix.