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: An arrangement of motorcycle navigation system components enables both a meter display unit and a navigation display unit to be easily viewed by the vehicle operator. A motorcycle includes a meter display unit for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance, and a navigation display unit for displaying the destination or the current vehicle position. Both display units are covered by a single transparent panel which permits the displays to be viewed therethrough. The navigation display unit is arranged behind the meter display unit, relative to the front of the vehicle, so as to protrude rearwardly with respect to the meter display unit, to give a driver of the motorcycle a clear view of both units, without significant overlap.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, from a set of geographical areas, a set of target areas that overlap a map view or view port of a map. Target areas are defined as circles having centers and radii, as sets of geographic cells overlaying the areas, or as other polygons of geographic data. Within a view port served or to be served to a user, multiple points are defined and substantially equally spaced within the view port, such that any target area that may significantly overlap the view port (e.g., at least a threshold percentage of the view port) is likely to overlap a minimum number of the points (e.g., one). Some or all target areas are then tested for intersection with some or all of the points, and calculations may be made to determine how much the intersecting areas actually overlap the view port.

Abstract: Invention is provided for navigation and orientation for all types of passengers traveling in public transportation. Segmentation methods for digital advertising based on location and number of passengers. Method for delivering audio and visual advertisements in real time into public transportation vehicles. Method for delivering public transportation positioning information, including arrival times, remaining times, past and future stops, stop numbers, current position, street and neighborhood names, waypoints, connections with other public transportation means, and news headlines. Method for embedding advertisements in any form, including banners, skins, pop-ups, video, audio, text and animation, in information screens inside public transportation.

Abstract: An automobile navigation apparatus, that has a rewritable recording medium and capability to updates the map data base by obtaining latest map data, records the map data in the recording means and comprises updating data acquisition means that acquires updated data of a map to which updating procedure is added, an information interpreting means that interprets the updating procedure information, and a map data updating means that searches over said map data base and updates said map data base on the basis of the results of such interpretation and manages the map data by using attributions that indicates additional information of the map elements which are composed into a table as the records thereof so that the row record of the table is classified by the attribution which indicates the additional information of the map element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying a three-dimensional arrival screen allows the user to more easily and accurately identify the actual location of the destination by displaying the three-dimensional arrival screen which shows the relationship among the location of the destination, the locations of the neighboring addresses, and the current vehicle position. The method includes the steps of receiving a street address number of a destination, retrieving data indicating a road segment which includes the specified street address number, estimating positions of the destination and neighboring addresses based on street numbers of the destination, neighboring addresses, and position data of the road segment, and displaying a three-dimensional arrival screen when the user comes within the predetermined distance range from the destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for enabling the monitoring and navigation of a complex of known rooms or facilities having known objects, attributes and/or people associated therewith, wherein different locations of the objects, attributes and/or people within the facilities are related and accessible over known, well-defined alternate paths. Sensor information may be used to facilitate the monitoring and navigation of the facility. At least some systems and methods may be used to enable the navigation of a building or a set of buildings by displaying an interactive graphical map of the building on a display device carried by a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations.

Abstract: A wireless communication system in a vehicle includes a wireless communication link in the vehicle with a mobile accessory that is a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle. The wireless communication link may be operable to carry information useful to the driver of the vehicle via at least one of (a) a PUSH communication protocol whereby information is communicated to the driver and (b) a PULL communication protocol whereby information is communicated to the driver in response to a driver selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.

Abstract: In a map data update method for updating map data used in an on-vehicle navigation apparatus by installing update map data, an authentication key is generated based upon an apparatus-inherent ID assigned in correspondence to the navigation apparatus and the use of update map data installed in the navigation apparatus is enabled or disabled by verifying the authentication key assigned to the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: A method of generating a map display for a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising the steps of displaying a map, highlighting a first area on the map surrounding a first position fix wherein the size of the area corresponds to the accuracy of the first position fix and highlighting a second area on the map surrounding a second position fix wherein the size of the second area corresponds to the accuracy of the second position fix. Either (a) when the first and second areas overlap, either (i) the one corresponding to the most recent or accurate position fix is displayed on top of the other or (ii) the highlighting of the overlapping area is different from that of those parts of the first and second areas which do not overlap, or (b) the manner in which at least one of the position fixes is obtained is indicated by the color of the highlight. The area highlighted on the map surrounding the position fix may be a shape other than a circle.

Abstract: A method of electronically tracking and locating a very large number of objects such as, but not limited to, personal case files in health care, law, or human services systems is described. Each object to be tracked has an attached miniature radio transmitter called a tag which sends a coded signal to a network of receiver base stations with limited but overlapping reception ranges. Each receiver base station places in its own memory the time at which a record enters its range, remains in range, and the time at which it leaves. The various receiver base stations are interconnected to a host computer. By polling the memories of each receiver base station, the computer is able to determine the current location of any record.

Abstract: In condition-dependent icon generation for a vehicular information terminal, a strength of a signal indicative of vehicle location information is measured, a road speed limit is determined based upon the vehicle location information, and vehicle speed information is received. Indicators are selected based upon the strength of the signal, the road speed limit, and the vehicle speed information, an icon is generated based upon the selected indicators, and the icon is displayed.

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: An image data update apparatus that can highlight a component with maintaining an appearance of an image to which anti-aliasing is applied and with suppressing increase in processing load is provided. When periodically changing a color arrangement of a traffic congestion line bordered using a color of black and displayed on a map image, only a central portion of the traffic congestion line is changed. Each time the color arrangement is changed, anti-aliasing is applied only to a boundary between the central portion and bordering portion but not to a boundary with a background map image.

Abstract: An embodiment relates generally a method of generating user-specified information. The method includes selecting a plurality of points on a map, where the plurality of points forms a closed polygon. The method also includes determining a plurality of coordinate pairs, where each coordinate pair is associated with a point from the plurality of points. The method also includes retrieving user specified information for an area enclosed by the plurality of coordinate pairs.

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: A method and system for calculating the approximate location of a mobile station along a recurrent route is disclosed. In an embodiment for the method in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the method for storing reference data includes decoding a first unique identifier for a cell in communication with the mobile station at a first location and a first time, storing the first unique identifier and the first time, decoding, upon handoff to a next cell, at a second location and at a second time, a second unique identifier for the next cell, and storing the second cell identifier and the second time. In a method for calculating an estimated time of arrival at the endpoint of a segment for a mobile station traveling along a recurrent route of travel, the method includes detecting the startpoint of one of the plurality of segments at a first time, and calculating an estimated time of arrival at the endpoint of the segment.

Abstract: Methods of managing a location of a mobile terminal include obtaining a position of the mobile terminal, estimating a distance from the mobile terminal to a destination point, generating an estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point, and generating an alert if the estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point reaches a threshold time. Related mobile terminals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Image information apparatuses, methods, and programs acquire image information of a plurality of frames of images sensed at predetermined regular time intervals. The apparatuses, methods, and programs detect a leading and trailing end of a lane mark included in a detection area defined in each frame of the image information. The apparatuses, methods, and programs detect a detected distance from one of the leading and trailing end of the lane mark to the other one as a detected distance based on the speed of the vehicle and the number of frames between a frame in which one of the leading end and the trailing end of the lane mark is detected and a frame in which the other one of the leading end and the trailing end of the lane mark is detected and determine a lane mark type of the lane mark on the basis of the detected distance.

Abstract: A handheld virtual overlay system (HVOS) device is presented that includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for detecting a global position of the HVOS device; a compass/tilt sensor for detecting a direction and tilt of the HVOS device; a communication module for transmitting the global position, the direction, and the tilt to a data store; and an input/output display configured to receive and display a rendered image. The data store is configured to receive the global position, the direction, and the tilt, and to generate geo-coded data for transmission to a server, where the server is configured to receive the geo-coded data and to transform and render the geo-coded data into a rendered image. A user can point the HVOS device at a scene, with the HVOS device producing a rendered image representing the scene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for displaying a driving location of a moving object which controls a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) ratio by corresponding to a property of a road where the moving object travels, differently renders a moving object symbol according to the controlled RGB ratio, and thereby may identify a driving status of the moving object more accurately.

Abstract: A map display apparatus is provided to allow a user to easily find out destinations on maps without forcing him/her to perform troublesome operations. An apparatus displays a main map image showing a current position at substantially a center of a screen. The apparatus also disposes a plurality of map images around the main map image in thumbnail format such that each map image corresponds to each direction on the main map image. In this manner, the apparatus provides the user with information about wider area than the main map image by showing him/her the thumbnails , which are disposed around the main map image such that each thumbnail corresponds to each direction on the main map image That allows the user to easily find out destinations on maps without forcing him/her to perform troublesome operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an information apparatus for a trolley, comprising: display means for displaying information to a user; control means; a power source; and a user interface for allowing a user to input data, wherein said information apparatus is arranged for location within a handle of said trolley.

Abstract: Situational Awareness and Guidance Reference (SAGR) and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display system utilized for a traffic application and an SAGR associated with the own-ship symbol providing longitudinal and lateral guidance reference. In a manual implementation, the SAGR aids human operators achieve required longitudinal and lateral spacing from selected traffic by depicting a small operating region on a navigational map display within which an aircraft will have achieved the required spacing. Such depiction of the deviation guidance may be with respect to time or distance relative to selected traffic aircraft or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for tracking mobile devices combining packet processing technology with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. A central network system comprising a packet processing subsystem receives transmitted GPS location data from a mobile device transmitting GPS location data, wherein the packet processing subsystem uses a table access scheme to process the GPS location data and produce responsive mapping data, and the central network processing system compares the mapping data to a map and identifies a corresponding map location. Embodiments may also correlate device identification data, tracking table entries, and/or billing zone charges. In some embodiments a look-up key is built responsive to the GPS location data and used to identify map locations. The table access scheme may be a key hashing scheme and, in particular, a longest prefix match type scheme.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and testing power systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, a site server collects data from one or more generators, automatic transfer switches, sensors, and cameras at a site. The site server stores captured data and triggers alarm events when preselected limits are exceeded. The site server also enables users to configure, initiate, pause, resume, monitor, and abort scripted tests of the monitored entities. In some of these and other embodiments, an enterprise-wide server collects data from multiple site servers, makes the data available via a web-based or other client interface, and provides consolidated monitoring, alarm, test management, and management resources.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicular collision alert system (100) which receives signals (104) from devices (102) commonly associated with vehicular use. The direction (308) of the received signals is determined, and a heading of the signal source is also determined (610) and compared with the present location and heading of the vehicle (612). If the comparison indicates a sufficient chance of a collision, and alert is generated (616) to notify the driver of the vehicle of the potential collision.

Abstract: A map display apparatus for displaying a map image at a plurality of display resolutions includes the following elements. An information recording unit associates an image signal of a captured image with imaging position information to record the associated signal and information as image information. A map information storage unit stores map information for the map image. A classification information recording processing unit divides a map area shown by the map information into mesh cells such that different mesh cell sizes are suitable for the respective display resolutions, and generates and records imaging classification information. A display control unit determines on each of mesh cells on the map image, each mesh cell having a size suitable for the display resolution, on the basis of the imaging classification information whether the image information is relevant to a mesh cell, and arranges an imaging identification representation in the appropriate mesh cell.

Abstract: A navigation system uses XML/SVG format map data for achieving flexibility in modifying the map data. A method of converting geographic data into the XML/SVG format map data includes the steps of retrieving the geographic data, analyzing the retrieved geographic data for its data elements structure, data type and semantics, and converting the analyzed data to the XML/SVG format map data for use with the navigation system. The XML/SVG format map data is constructed in a layered structure created based on administrative regions such as states, counties and cities. The XML/SVG format map data can be delivered to a remote user as a unit of administrative region through a communication network.

Abstract: A map display device having a corridor function includes a control unit and display unit. In the corridor function, the control unit clips a part of map data corresponding to a region, which includes a reference point at a central part of the region, and stores the part of map data in a memory; the display unit displays a map of the region based on the stored part of map data.

Abstract: With respect to a connection road linked with a rotary included in a guidance route, a vehicular navigation system acquires a dummy link that is defined to extend towards an inside of the rotary based on road map data. An advancing direction at the rotary is computed by using an angle defined by two dummy links with respect to both an entering road being the connection road on which the vehicle is to approach the rotary and an exiting road being the connection road on which the vehicle is to recede from the rotary. Guidance information at the rotary is outputted based on the computed advancing direction when the vehicle approaches the rotary.

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: A detecting unit of an information presentation apparatus detects information concerning driver gaze directed toward a screen displaying map information indicating a current position of a mobile object. A determining unit determines information concerning specific items to be given to a driver from among predetermined information items. An obtaining unit obtains the information determined by the determining unit based on the map information. A generating unit generates guidance information that provides, by sound, the information obtained at the obtaining unit. An output unit outputs the guidance information generated by the generating unit.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus including a central processing unit, an imaging module, a GPS module, a tire pressure monitoring module, and a storage module is provided. The imaging module captures an image signal. The central processing unit controls the imaging module to capture the image signal for generating image data, and further stores the image data in the storage module. The central processing unit executes the electronic map software stored in the storage module and receives the positional data generated by the GPS module for generating route guidance. The central unit receives the digital tire pressure signal received by the tire pressure monitoring module to generate tire pressure data and further identifies whether or not the tire pressure data is in compliance with a safety value.

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: A computer implemented method is provided for directing region-specific information. The method receives information relating to location of users, and provides location-specific information to the users.

Abstract: A system for displaying vehicle location information in a vehicle includes a current location detection device configured to provide location data for a first location of the vehicle representing the vehicle's current location, a vehicle speed sensor configured to provide vehicle speed data and a database of road network information configured to include at least one of street names and addresses along the streets thereon. The location data may include a direction of travel for the vehicle. A microprocessor coupled to the current location detector, the vehicle speed sensor and the database, the microprocessor is configured to determine a second location of the vehicle at a predetermined time in the future based on the location data and vehicle speed data and to determine a position identifier corresponding to the second location of the vehicle. A display is coupled to the microprocessor and is configured to display the position identifier.

Abstract: A display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. The display screen includes at least one region of a select color designated to convey a first set of information and a plurality of adjustable areas designated to convey a second set of information. The plurality of adjustable areas overlay at least a portion of the at least one region of select color of the first set of information. Moreover, each adjustable area is defined by an outline and a color encased in the outline.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle includes: a hard disk drive for storing an audio data; an output element for converting the audio data to an electric signal and for outputting the electric signal to a reproducer; a memory; a position determination element for determining whether the vehicle is disposed in a predetermined area; an output data specification element for specifying the audio data outputting from the output element when the vehicle is disposed in the predetermined area; and a memorizing data control element for storing the specified audio data as a transfer data in the memory. The output element converts the transfer data and outputs the converted transfer data to the reproducer.

Abstract: A system, a method and computer-readable media for presenting dynamic traffic information. A user profile is stored, and advisory data based on the user profile is gathered. The advisory data may include traffic information associated with road segments identified by the user profile. Upon receiving a user input, the advisory data is presented to a user.

Abstract: According to the 1st aspect of the invention, a navigation system comprises: a storage unit that stores map data managed with links representing smallest road units; a road map display unit that displays a road map based upon the map data; a depressed position detection unit that detects a depressed position on the road map on display; and a route setting unit that extracts a corresponding link corresponding to the depressed position and sets the extracted corresponding link as a route to a destination based upon the map data, and the route setting unit extracts a link adjacent to the corresponding link and makes a decision as to whether or not the adjacent link can be entered from the corresponding link based upon the map data.

Abstract: A method of formatting navigation information is disclosed. The method can establish various different regions on a map. These regions can include varying levels of detail. Some of the regions can include more details than other regions. The regions can have different shapes and sizes, and in some cases, the regions can follow a route. Regions can also be established for end points.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus is provided which can reliably guide a vehicle along a guidance route when the vehicle approaches an intersection of interest at which it is to make a turn even if another intersection exists between a vehicle position and the intersection of interest. A controller determines whether or not another intersection exists between the vehicle position and the next guidance intersection (an intersection at which the vehicle is to make a turn) when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection. If another intersection is determined to exist, an intersection guidance map with an arrow indicative of the guidance route colored in a predetermined color is displayed on a display device. In one embodiment, if another intersection does not exist between the vehicle and the guidance intersection, the color of the arrow displayed is changed to a different color.

Abstract: An onboard display device has a pickup unit that picks up nighttime environment to acquire a nightview image, a display that can display a nightview image together with a map image, and a display control unit that displays an information-providing image that is different from the map image and the nightview image on the display and controls displays of the map image and the nightview image, when the information-providing image has to be displayed in a state in which the map image and the nightview image are displayed on the display.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which a geographic area of interest can be selected, and photographic images of the selected area can be downloaded and displayed by a user in an efficient and timely manner. The geographic area of interest may initially be selected by various input means such as a map, longitude/latitude coordinates, a global positioning system (GPS), and the like. Once the particular geographic area has been selected, photographic images corresponding to the selected area are downloaded to the user. The photographic images may be stored in a suitable data storage system such as a server. Alternatively, the photographic image data may be generated real time and downloaded to the user. In one embodiment, a relatively low resolution image of a large geographic area is initially displayed to the user, and the user can then select a limited region of the image for closer viewing.

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