Abstract: A system for sharing and processing traffic information includes a number of traffic information computer systems within individual vehicles and a traffic information server system. The traffic information computer systems are each connected to the server system through a network, which are additionally connected to one another by peer-to-peer radio communications, and which each operate with a database for displaying road maps, with a database storing average speed data for directions of travel along roadways, and with a location sensor used to determine the location and average speed of the vehicle, which are transmitted to the server. The server returns average speed data for road segments, which is displayed on the road maps.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is provided with a destination input section, a travel route information section, a historical data input section and an expected travel time reporting section. The travel destination input section is provided for entering a destination point. The travel route information section provides at least one potential travel route to the destination point. The historical data input section provides historical time information based on a plurality of actual motorist travel times to navigate various travel routes. The expected travel time reporting section reports to a user an expected travel times based on the historical time information for a potential travel route.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a map data storage for storing a map data, a picture frame image storage for storing one or more images, a mode-based setting storage for storing mode-based settings required in operating the navigation apparatus in a drive guide mode, a picture frame mode or a combination mode, and a control unit for, based on the mode-based settings, providing a drive guide information using the map data in the drive guide mode, providing drive guide information by use of the map data in the drive guide mode, providing a picture frame image by using the images in the picture frame mode and providing the picture frame image and the drive guide information in the combination mode, the drive guide information being displayed over the picture frame image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for computing shortest paths among a set of locations. A small set of landmarks is chosen and the distance between each location and each landmark is computed and stored. Given source and destination locations, the landmark distances are used to compute lower-bound estimates of distances from locations to the destination. The estimates are then used with a heuristic search to find the shortest path from source to destination.

Abstract: A method of implementing a plurality of unmanned vehicles over an obstacle field. The method includes obtaining a physical map of the obstacle field. Discretizing the physical map into traversable edges that avoid the obstacles, the traversable edges meeting at nodes. Replacing sections of the traversable edges that are beyond the maneuverability of the unmanned vehicles with traversable arcs. Determining traverse time parameters associated with paths through the obstacle fields, each path made up of select traversable edges and select traversable arcs and using the traverse time parameters in planning and scheduling the vehicles.

Abstract: A corridor search process is used to identify locations of interest along a travel route. The corridor search process identifies locations of interest along a travel route by using a grid search process that first identifies shape points that correspond to the travel route. Each shape point is associated with a portion of a grid system used to delineate a region of geography through which the route traverses. The portions of the grid system correspond to a corridor along the travel route. References to redundant portions of the grid system are removed, and locations of interest are identified based on an association between a location of interest with a particular portion of the grid system.

Abstract: A navigation system for a motor vehicle includes at least one storage device, at least one navigation map being stored on each storage device, which is read out using a reading device. Associated with the reading device is a changeover device for exchanging storage devices that are to be read out by the reading device. A navigation map and information regarding the instantaneous position of the motor vehicle are displayed to a vehicle occupant via a display device. A control device for the changeover device controls the changeover device so that a point in time for changing over the storage device is identifiable so that during the changeover operation of the storage device, a deviation of the motor vehicle from the route segment currently being traveled is improbable based on the current navigation data of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating an alternate route for a system to travel to a predetermined destination are described. The method comprises determining a velocity of a system traveling along a primary route; and generating an alternate route to the primary route if the system velocity is below a predetermined motion threshold. A navigation system for generating an alternate route to a destination includes a motion sensor for detecting the navigation system velocity along a primary route and a controller coupled with the motion sensor. The controller receives a motion signal indicating navigation system motion and generates an alternate route to the primary route responsive to the motion signal indicating navigation system motion different from a predetermined motion threshold value.

Abstract: An obstacle-avoidance-processor chip for three-dimensional path planning comprises an analog processing circuit and at least two analog-resistive-grid networks. The analog processing circuit is communicatively coupled to receive data from an inertial measurement unit and from at least one obstacle-detection sensor. The analog processing circuit is configured to construct a three-dimensional obstacle map of an environment based on the received data. The at least two analog-resistive-grid networks are configured to map obstacles in at least two respective non-parallel planes in the constructed three-dimensional obstacle map. The at least two analog-resistive-grid networks form a quasi-three-dimensional representation of the environment. The obstacle-avoidance-processor chip generates information indicative of a three-dimensional unobstructed path in the environment based on the obstacle maps.

Abstract: A route seeking device, a route seeking method, and a program capable of determining a guide route requiring a small number of transfers of transportation by a single route seek. In the route seeking device comprising a route seeking section for seeking a route from a start point to a goal with reference to a route network DB consisting of nodes, links to which attribute information representing the groups to which the links belong is added, and costs.

Abstract: A navigation method for providing navigation by using map data includes: displaying a menu with which a user specifies an area of a map over which map data are to be updated, the menu containing a map-based option for area specification and a route-based option for area specification; obtaining update data along a route if the route-based option is selected from the options in the menu on display; and executing processing by using the obtained update data.

Abstract: A navigation system in a subject vehicle includes a display unit for displaying a map, a position detection function for detecting a current position and a traveling direction of the subject vehicle, a storage function for storing map data and facility data for displaying a facility icon on the map, a road recognition function for recognizing a road and a lane of the road where the subject vehicle is traveling, a facility selection function for searching a facility in the facility data and a facility icon control means for controlling the facility icon according to a facility type in the facility data. The facility icon on the map is selectively displayed on the map according to the traveling direction of the subject vehicle based on information calculated by above functions.

Abstract: A vehicular navigation system includes a vehicle having a global-positioning system receiver operable to receive signals from satellites external to the vehicle in order to establish its geographic position. A transceiver is operable to engage in a wireless communication with a remote service provider. The transceiver is operable to receive a wireless data transmission from the remote service provider of data derived from a database accessible to a remote operator associated with the remote service provider. A voice input device is used by the driver to talk with the remote operator to input to the remote operator a destination. Responsive to input of the destination, driving instructions from the then present geographical location of the vehicle to the destination are wirelessly downloaded to the vehicle, A display viewable to the driver displays turn-by-turn instructions to the destination during the road journey that are based on the downloaded directions.

Abstract: A traffic information calculation device includes: a probe information database for accumulating vehicle information including a vehicle position and the time of the vehicle position; a branch judgment unit for judging the branch direction of the vehicle at an intersection according to the position of the intersection on the map database and the vehicle information; and intersection traffic information calculation unit for calculating the wait time or jam length of the branch direction at the intersection from the vehicle information. Thus, the intersection traffic information calculation unit can calculate the traffic information for each branch direction at the intersection and it is possible to obtain accurate traffic information for each branch direction even at an intersection having five directions or more.

Abstract: An item search device comprises the following: a downtown information acquiring unit that acquires downtown information about downtowns; a search condition setting unit for setting search conditions for search for the downtowns; and a downtown search unit that searches desired downtowns from the downtown information based on the search conditions. With this structure, the user can appropriately and efficiently find a desired downtown.

Abstract: A night vision device for a vehicle is provided, in which a travel path that is set or is to be set is inserted in an image recorded by a camera, the travel path being determined from an evaluation of a location-finding or travel direction sensor.

Abstract: In a navigation device, a destination waypoint is set by a user through an input section (13), and, when guidance to the destination waypoint is started, a control section (11) stores positional information on the destination waypoint into a destination waypoint history table (21) of a storage section (12) at predetermined timing, the destination waypoint history table (21) storing positional information on destination waypoints. Stored information is displayed on a display section (14) when the user sets a destination waypoint. The user can select a destination waypoint based on the displayed information and set the destination waypoint. After the destination waypoint is set, only the destination waypoint satisfying predetermined conditions is stored.

Abstract: This abridged map generating apparatus includes a route searching unit that searches for a plurality of routes from a departure point to a destination which has been set, an abridged map generation unit that generates an abridged map in which road shapes of the routes which are searched out by the route searching unit are simplified, based upon road map data which specifies shapes of roads by shapes of links set for each predetermined road section, and a link compactification unit that compactifies links of the routes based upon relative positional relationships of the routes before the abridged map generation unit generates the abridged map.

Abstract: Navigation systems and services are described. The navigation services can include obtaining a route or route segment based on a location of a vehicle and a destination. Based on the route, a current fuel supply of the vehicle, and a number of factors related to fuel consumption, a refueling location can be estimated. A number of locations of fuel stations in proximity to the refueling location can be determined and presented to a user, for example, on a map showing the route.

Abstract: Searching for a Point of Interest (POI) in a navigation apparatus includes accessing a preset driving route that includes a group of route points. A POI is associated with each route point in the group. The associated POIs are stored in a first storing unit. A current position of a moving object is determined. After storing the associated POIs, a current route point corresponding to the current position of the moving object is selected from among the group of route points. The POI associated with the current route point is accessed from storage, and information associated with the POI associated with the current route point is accessed from storage and outputted.

Abstract: An on-vehicle information terminal comprises a route search unit that searches for a plurality of routes connecting a current position to a destination and a characteristics extraction unit that extracts characteristics of each route searched by the route search unit based upon geographic names. The on-vehicle information terminal displays the characteristics of individual routes extracted by the characteristics extraction unit at a display device.

Abstract: A navigation system comprising an apparatus and method for navigating a vehicle along a detour route when appropriate. A destination is set, and the current location, or site, is detected. Guiding is performed along an optimum route from the current location to the destination. When a traffic obstacle that requires a detour from the optimum route is detected, a detour to the destination that detours the traffic obstacle is searched. The detour is a route having the shortest time and/or the shortest distance from the current location to the destination. Guiding is performed for the detour route at a site located a prescribed distance from a branching point where branching is to be made from the optimum route to one of at least two detour routes.

Abstract: A server specifies a sending range for meteorological information that it has received, for each type of meteorological information. The server also specifies constitution and size of area meteorological data distributing for each area segment. This will enable the server to provide necessary meteorological information more efficiently. Furthermore, a vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus, or a vehicle, selects and specifies different meteorological information for a corresponding area segment based on present position and route, and specifies the constitution and the size of area meteorological data requesting distribution, by the server. It is expected that this can reduce the data size of meteorological information and prevent unnecessary information from being distributed, enabling savings in communication time and communication charges when data is received.

Abstract: In a car navigation system (1), a position information detection means (11) detects position information on a vehicle using, for example, a GPS. A travel information history of the vehicle obtained based on the detected position information is accumulated in a travel information history means (15). When detecting an event such as start of an engine, an action prediction means (17) predicts a destination of the vehicle by referring to a route to the current time and to the accumulated travel information history. Commercial or traffic information regarding the predicted destination is acquired by an information acquisition means (18) from a server (2), and then is displayed on a screen, for example, by an information provision means (19).

Abstract: An off-board navigation system includes a remote unit and a supply location. In operation, a navigation system user requests a desired route to a destination. Capability information relating to the user's CPU and storage device capacities are also preferably provided to the supply location. Using the extensive database available at the supply location, the supply location calculates a recommended route to the desired destination in relation to the desired POIs. If the estimated size of the requested route meets the capabilities of the remote unit the supply location creates a filter using the requested parameters and applied to the extensive database at the supply location. In one embodiment, the filtered map area includes a width vector W defined substantially perpendicular to the recommended route R. In another embodiment, the filtered map area is defined in relation to a plurality of nodes N along the recommended route R. A perimeter P is defined around each node N along the recommended route R.

Abstract: A map-centric service for creating, finding, and organizing social events is described. Social events may include gatherings, goods or services for sale or other types of events about which a group of people may wish to share information. The service provides a graphical indication of the location of a plurality of social events superimposed on a map, providing a geographic context to social events. The geographic context may be augmented with text graphical indications or information in other forms, further identifying characteristics of the social event. Information about social events may be made accessible to multiple users through a web service. A user may search for social events by specifying desired characteristics of the social event. The service can also generate an optimal route for user selected events.

Abstract: Navigation systems, methods, and programs store traffic information and crated prediction traffic information based on the stored traffic information. The systems, methods, and programs search a plurality of routes to a destination, each route including at least one link and calculate a predicted passage time of each link in each route. The systems, methods, and programs obtain, for each link, prediction traffic information at the predicted passage time, based on the created prediction traffic information and extract the obtained prediction traffic information pertinent to route-search-as information to be distributed, according to a predetermined order of priority.

Abstract: A service station is provided with a plurality of vehicle servicing islands including liquid fuel blending pumps for dispensing and blending fuel components from underground storage tanks for refueling standard gasoline engine driven vehicles, standard diesel engine vehicles, vehicles with engines requiring dual fuels, vehicles with HCCL engines require low octane gasoline blended with standard diesel fuel, and fuel cell powered vehicles having onboard reformers. Other service islands include pumps for dispensing compressed hydrogen to fuel cell powered vehicles that do not include onboard reformers. In addition, service islands are provided for recharging the batteries of pure electric powered vehicles. A service station is further provided with a wireless communicator for receiving signals indicative of a vehicle's fuel requirements and transmitting signals to direct the vehicle to a service island capable of servicing the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a computer system and methods related to a map display. A method includes but is not limited to receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations; determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map; and generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations.

Abstract: Provided according to the invention is a recording control apparatus capable of more accurately recording an image of a person carrying an article to which an RFID tag is attached. When a reader/writer receives position information on an RFID tag attached to an article, this information is stored in an article information storing section. When a position determining unit detects an article located out of a designated area, a monitoring camera control section starts controlling recording. The monitoring camera control section estimates the movement direction of the article based on the time-sequential record of the position information on the article, specifies any of monitoring cameras to be operated based on the movement direction and the current position of the article, and controls the recording operation of the specified monitoring camera.

Abstract: Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle trip logger is disclosed for recording vehicle location and at least one field as a trip category during travel. The trip logger provides data for a report of miles traveled in categories that may be useful for tax, vehicle maintenance or other reporting. For each trip the user selects a menu item displayed on the trip logger as a trip category. The trip logger may provide fields such as account numbers or trip reasons as additional category fields used in reporting vehicle travel. The trip logger may be configured by the user to customize displays and reports shown by the logger. Vehicle location records and trip records with trip fields are saved to internal memory. A trip record is indexed to a group of location records.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for indicating direction using a screen, wherein a pattern of relatively dark and relatively bright sections is moved over a screen, in a direction in which an observer is to be directed. The invention further relates to an apparatus for indicating information on a screen, comprising at least one screen and image information-generating means, wherein the image information-generating means comprise at least one algorithm for displaying, on said screen, at least one first image in the form of a moving pattern of first and second sections, wherein the first sections are relatively bright compared to the second sections, wherein the screen has longitudinal edges and said image information-generating means are preferably arranged for at least temporarily moving said pattern in the direction of at least one of the longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A controller of a navigation terminal (navigation apparatus) is configured to find a plurality of paths from a current position of a vehicle and a destination based on a plurality of different and prioritized path-finding conditions, respectively, and causes a display to show the plurality of paths which includes a navigating path found on the basis of a top-priority path-finding condition and at least one alternative path found on the other path-finding condition(s). In response to detection of deviation of the vehicle, the priority assigned to a path-finding condition based on which a specific alternative path along which the vehicle is running is changed into a top priority, and path-finding operation is performed again for paths from the current position of the vehicle to the destination to show a new navigating path and at least one new alternative path in the display.

Abstract: A navigation system (500) is provided with: a navigation apparatus (510); a server apparatus (520) and a route information transmittance apparatus (530), which are inter-communicable via a communication network (540). The route information transmittance apparatus is provided with: an input device (531) for inputting route search information indicating an instruction of a route search; and a transmittance device (532) for transmitting the route search information to the server apparatus. The server apparatus is provided with: a server side communication device (521) for receiving the route search information; an authentication device (522) for authenticating whether or not the route search information is available; and a search device (523) for performing the route search on the basis of the authenticated route search information. The server side communication device transmits search result information indicating a searched route to the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and programs display a virtual escort vehicle that appears to be driving ahead of a user's vehicle on at least one of a windshield of the user's vehicle and a display disposed in front of a driving seat of the user's vehicle and display a driving instruction for the user's vehicle based on actual driving condition information and standard driving condition information for a predetermined reference point located ahead of the current position of the user's vehicle.

Abstract: Real-time weather information is dynamically acquired in real-time and presented within a display. The display also includes a variety of other information, such as a route and a current position associated with a navigation device. The real-time weather information includes real-time weather and/or water conditions. The real-time weather and/or water conditions are presented within the display with unique visual features and concurrently presented with the other information.

Abstract: A recommended route is searched by the use of traffic information collected in the past. A map/statistical traffic data storage device 3 stores map data including link data of respective links constituting roads on a map, and statistical data including travel time or moving speeds of the respective links determined by statistical values of traffic information collected in the past. Said statistical data is classified every condition of collection of traffic information. A navigation device searches a recommended route from a departure position to a destination by using the map data stored in the map/statistical traffic data storage device and statistical data corresponding to a day type and a weather type which constitute conditions of search, out of statistical data stored in the map/statistical traffic data storage device 3.

Abstract: A system and a machine-implemented method for receiving a real-time data signal from a real-time data source and a time-delayed data signal from a time-delayed data source. The real-time data signal and the time-delayed data signal are each monitored for the occurrence of a synchronization event. A time differential is determined between the occurrence of the synchronization event within the real-time data signal and the occurrence of the synchronization event within the time-delayed data signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a path planer and method for planning a path of a vehicle defines a reference row having a reference contour in a work area. A representation of the defined reference row is established. The defined reference row comprises a curved component, a generally linear component, or both. A generator generates one or more contour rows with a tracking contour that tracks or mirrors the reference contour based on a vehicular width and a radius difference parameter associated with the curved component. The contour rows are generated by a translation technique for the generally linear component and a radius modification technique for the curved component.

Abstract: A method for navigation includes providing a route, including at least first and second route portions, at a telematics unit and determining a route status. The method further sends the second route portion to a mobile communication device based on the route status.

Abstract: A travel route searching method of a mobile object whereby a travel route preferred by a user of a mobile object is searched using a road preferred by the user of the mobile object, a travel pattern at a crossroad and a road recommended by other user, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: collecting information of a road traveled by the mobile object, and discriminating a road preference by the collected information of the road to search the travel route; collecting a behavioral factor of the mobile object at a crossroad, and discriminating a behavioral factor preference of the user by the collected behavioral factor to search the travel route; storing as a recommended road the information of the road the mobile object has traveled if there is a instruction of storing the recommended road; and searching a recommended road situated between a starting point and a destination if the travel route is searched.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for providing traffic route visualization. An electronic map device creates a map that is displayable at a user display of a user interface. The map is created through the access of a traffic image data base and a traffic information data base. Information stored at the data bases is obtained in a collaborative effort to provide and maintain updated information thereat. Images stored at the image data base comprise actual image files or photo realistic images that are consolidated together with traffic information. The resultant map is of characteristics permitting quick comprehension by a viewer thereof.

Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle satellite navigation system using a motor vehicle's structure and characteristic information to calculate a best route to a desired destination. The method includes operating a graphical user interface (GUI), presenting display images for receiving input data for the desired destination and receiving satellite position data, and calculating a current location of the motor vehicle. The GUI presents a display image requesting motor vehicle structure and characteristic information. The method includes calculating and updating current best routes to a desired destination using map and POI databases comprising geographic coordinate grid and point of interest information from the current location and motor vehicle structure and characteristic information.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and method that store route information, the stored route information including, for each of a plurality of routes starting at a first point and ending at a second point, a required travel time and a traffic condition. The apparatus and method determine whether a guidance route includes the first point and the second point of a stored route. The apparatus and method read out, if a guidance route includes the first point and the second point of a stored route, the stored route information for the stored route that shares the first point and the second point with the guidance route. The read out stored route information having a same or similar traffic condition as a current traffic condition. The apparatus and method output the required time to travel the stored route from the read route information.

Abstract: A map information processing apparatus includes an intersecting determining means (20) for determining intersection points where a new road detected by a new road detecting means (19) intersects either roads included in map information or roads previously detected by a new road detecting means, other than start and end points of the new road, a road update information generating means (21) for generating road update information including information for updating new road information and road information included in the map information based on new road information about the detected new road and intersection information indicating the intersection points determined by the intersecting determining means, and a road information updating means (24) for updating the road information included in the map information based on the road update information, and for writing the new road information into a new road information storage means (16b).

Abstract: A search method and apparatus for a navigation system finds accessible points of interest (POI) along the route to the destination in a flexible manner. The navigation system changes its search range when the geographic condition warrants expansion of the search range. The search method is comprised of the steps of: searching POIs specified by a user along a route to a destination within a predetermined search range relative to the route, detecting POIs located within the predetermined search range, determining if a geographic condition on a specific area on the route exists that enables easy accessibility to POIs, expanding the search range if the geographic condition enabling the easy accessibility to POIs exists for the specific area, and detecting POIs located within the expanded search range.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for presenting a route using a route presentation that provides both a context map and one or more detail route maps. Narrative instructions for the route also may be presented. The presentation of the context map and the one or more detail route maps may be interactive. The route presentation also may be user-controllable such that a user may control the portions of a route that are printed. The route presentation also may include a re-routing feature that allows a user to request that a new route be identified that avoids a particular maneuver or maneuvers in a route.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device having a route guiding function of guiding a route by obtaining map information from a server system via a radio communication network includes: a position detecting unit which detects a current position of the mobile terminal device; a bearing detecting unit which detects a first bearing to which the mobile terminal device is directed; a target bearing calculating unit which calculates a second bearing from a current position to the destination; a displaying unit which displays a map based on the acquired map information on a section containing the destination and the current position, displays icon images at a position of the destination and the current position respectively, and displays an icon image indicating the first bearing; and a target capturing unit which produces a sound effect in response to a difference between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A method and a system for guiding a vehicle are provided, which utilize information regarding the vehicle's position. The position of the vehicle is ascertained exactly to the correct lane, and for at least a part of the traffic lanes of specifiable traffic routes in the surroundings of the vehicle, the traffic situation is ascertained. An estimation of traffic lanes is undertaken in the light of specifiable criteria by the evaluation of the vehicle's position and the traffic situation, thereby enabling the driver to select the most favorable lane in terms of desired criteria, e.g., minimizing lane changes, minimizing travel time, etc.