Abstract: A method for the computer-aided calculation of the movement of an object using sensor data from a sensor arranged on the object is provided. The sensor data comprise measuring point set measured at different time points, and the movement of the object is determined between different measuring point sets. From the measuring point sets, initially structural information is extracted and stored together with the measuring points that are not to be associated with any structural type. Subsequently, associations between the structural elements with the same structure type are determined and a corresponding transformation for representing the structural elements is performed. An association of the unassignable measuring points and the structural elements is created and a corresponding transformation of the superimposed associated measuring points and structural elements is performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes determining a location of a mobile device, and automatically identifying a point-of-interest (POI) located within a predetermined distance of the location. The method also includes providing, on a user interface of the mobile device, a rating control for allowing the user to rate the identified POI, and receiving the rating for the identified POI from the user, using the rating control.

Abstract: A route planning device includes: a search unit that searches for a plurality of facilities located near the minimum-cost route from a current position to the destination, where the battery can be charged; a guided route calculation unit that sets a waypoint on the minimum-cost route via which the moving object can be guided to each facility, and calculates a guided route from the waypoint to the each facility and a first power requirement indicating an amount of power required to travel through the guided route; and a facility designating unit that designates a target facility to which the moving object is to be guided, based upon third power requirements each calculated by adding a second power requirement, indicating an amount of power required to allow the moving object to travel from the current position to the waypoint, to the first power requirement and remaining power in the battery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic device with object guiding function and the method thereof. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a view window area, via which a user may watch a view. The electronic device may determine whether an object is located in the view window area when the user inputs the position of the object, and may further show an object indicating message or an object guiding message according to the determination result. Therefore, the electronic device is able to provide the user with short distance guiding function. In another embodiment, the electronic device may also show information related to the object located in the view window area, such as information about every mountain range, constellation, user's friends, or specific landmark that is located in the view window area.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to predict energy consumptions of a vehicle, using geographic characteristic values which are independent from particular driving patterns and vehicle parameters and unique to respective links. A navigation server predicts energies which are consumed when a vehicle runs on links. The navigation server calculates geographic characteristic values of respective links, the geography of the each link affecting the consumption energy with the geographic characteristic values, the calculation being based on energy consumptions collected from probe vehicles, and calculates predicted energy consumption of each link selected as a processing target, based on the geographic characteristic values. A navigation terminal obtains these predicted energy consumptions and performs route search with the obtained predicted energy consumptions as costs.

Abstract: A personal navigation device includes a navigation console and a peripheral device. The navigation console is configured to acquire a navigation instruction from a start point to a destination and a detailed map which depicts a predetermined area around the destination. The peripheral device is connected to the navigation console in a detachable manner for displaying the detailed map.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to streamline the distribution of global positioning system (GPS) assistance data to a plurality of devices, such as radio access point devices. A provisioning server generates GPS assistance data from satellite positioning data obtained by periodically querying a satellite positioning data server for the satellite positioning data for a plurality of satellites. The provisioning server assigns the GPS assistance data a configurable expiration time. The provisioning server automatically refreshes the GPS assistance data prior to its expiration and makes it available through for download by the radio access point devices.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for displaying flight information. A number of elements for a number of phases of flight for a route of an aircraft are identified. The number of elements in association with the number of phases of flight is displayed on a strip on a display. The number of elements is displayed on the strip in a sequence in which the number of elements is encountered by the aircraft on the route during the number of phases of flight.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, defining a search area when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the search area including boundaries, calculating, using a processor, a points of interest (POI) density of the search area, comparing the POI density with a first density threshold and a second density threshold, adjusting the boundaries of the search area based on a result of comparing the POI density with the first density threshold and the second density threshold, identifying POIs in the adjusted search area, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, the POI information being associated with one or more POIs identified in the adjusted search area.

Abstract: A car navigation apparatus includes an intersection searching means 14 for searching for intersections in a vicinity of the current position of a vehicle from intersections which exist on a searched route and which exist between the current position and a destination, an intersection name outputting means 15 for outputting the names of the searched intersections, an intersection selecting means 17 for selecting an intersection from the intersection names outputted, an facility searching means 18 for searching for facilities which exist in a vicinity of the intersection selected through the map data, a facility name outputting means 19 for outputting the names of the searched facilities, a facility selecting means 20 for selecting a facility from the facility names outputted, and a facility information outputting means 21 for extracting facility information about the selected facility from the map data, and for outputting the facility information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: A system and method splices into, or replaces routes identified based on road geometry with routes taken by the same user or other users to create alternate routes that may be selected by a user to display, for example, on a map or for which driving directions can be displayed. Communication of routes traveled by different devices may be received from a server or from another device. A naming convention for road segments and ordered paths of road segments is described.

Abstract: A car navigation apparatus includes an intersection searching means 14 for searching for intersections in a vicinity of the current position of a vehicle from intersections which exist on a searched route and which exist between the current position and a destination, an intersection name outputting means 15 for outputting the names of the searched intersections, an intersection selecting means 17 for selecting an intersection from the intersection names outputted, an facility searching means 18 for searching for facilities which exist in a vicinity of the intersection selected through the map data, a facility name outputting means 19 for outputting the names of the searched facilities, a facility selecting means 20 for selecting a facility from the facility names outputted, and a facility information outputting means 21 for extracting facility information about the selected facility from the map data, and for outputting the facility information.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for trip planning and a recording medium are provided. The method is suitable for a mobile device having a touch screen. In the method, a trip plan panel comprising a plurality of waypoint blocks arranged according to an arrangement sequence is displayed on the touch screen. Then, a touch operation of dragging executed between a point of interest (POI) and the trip plan panel is received, so as to input the POI in one of the waypoint blocks. Finally, according to the arrangement sequence of the waypoint blocks, a path between the POIs in the way point blocks is planned.

Abstract: A vehicle route guidance system is provided that may dynamically determine one or more possible destinations within a predetermined distance of a current location of a vehicle having the vehicle route guidance system. The vehicle route guidance system may determine respective routes to the one or more possible destinations and may access price information with respect to the one or more possible destinations. For each of the one or more possible destinations, the vehicle route guidance system may estimate a cost of fuel to be consumed by the vehicle to reach respective ones of the one or more possible destination based on received traffic information, a respective route, and vehicle fuel consumption information. The vehicle route guidance system may provide information for guiding the vehicle to one of the one or more possible destinations having a lowest total overall cost.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving a travel query, where the travel query comprises a starting location, a destination location, and a specified transit time; and using the starting location, destination location, and the specified transit time to provide a travel route for traveling from the starting location to the destination location within the specified transit time, wherein the travel route includes one or more points of interest.

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

Abstract: An autonomous navigation system for a tracked or skid-steer vehicle is described. The system includes a path planner (54) that computes a series of waypoint locations specifying a path to follow and vehicle location sensors (82). A tramming controller (60) includes a waypoint controller (62) that computes vehicle speed and yaw rate setpoints based on vehicle location information from the vehicle location sensor and the locations of a plurality of neighboring waypoints, and a rate controller (64) that generates left and right track speed setpoints from the speed and yaw rate setpoints. A vehicle control interface actuates the vehicle controls in accordance with the left and right track speed setpoints.

Abstract: In order to notify a user that a facility is present in the neighborhood of a route to a destination, a mobile phone includes a location obtaining portion to obtain a present location (S03, S09), a destination setting portion to set a point of destination (S02), a departure point setting portion to set a point of departure (S04), a facility extraction portion to extract facility information of a facility located in the neighborhood of a route from the point of departure to the destination from among facility information included in map information (S08), and a light emission control portion to give notification at a prescribed timing if at least one facility information is extracted by the facility extraction portion (S14).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes determining a location of a mobile device, and automatically identifying a point-of-interest (POI) located within a predetermined distance of the location. The method also includes providing, on a user interface of the mobile device, a rating control for allowing the user to rate the identified POI, and receiving the rating for the identified POI from the user, using the rating control.

Abstract: A route guide method includes collecting state information of respective points of interest (POIs) and storing the collected state information in a state information database, extracting state information of one or more candidate POIs with reference to the state information database according to a request for the state information of the one or more candidate POIs, and applying the extracted state information of the candidate POIs to routes to the respective POIs to guide a user along the routes to the respective candidate POIs.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: Location information is used to build a database of locations having associated audio, video, image or text data. In some implementations, a device includes a touch-sensitive display and collects data associated with a geographic location of interest. The geographic location of interest can be displayed on a map using an indicator. A touch selection of the indicator provides access to the data through an interface displayed on the touch-sensitive display. One or more locations of interest can be displayed and grouped together by an attribute.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display displaying a first map representing a position of the apparatus obtained as a result of a first positioning, and further displaying a second map representing the position of the apparatus and being obtained as a result of a second positioning which is started before displaying the first map, the second map being displayed without responding to a request for displaying the position of the apparatus obtained as a result of the second positioning.

Abstract: A method of providing augmented Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation can include detecting movement of a GPS enabled mobile device along a navigational route and displaying a photographic image on a display of the GPS enabled mobile device responsive to detecting movement of the GPS enabled mobile device along the navigational route provided by the GPS enabled mobile device. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for predicting a travel time for a traffic route is disclosed. The traffic route comprises one or more road segments. A predicted travel time for each of those segments is calculated based, in part, on traffic speed data for each of the one or more road segments. A total travel time is then calculated for the route, the total travel time including a predicted travel time for each of the one or more road segments.

Abstract: A destination analysis module is described which estimates at least one destination of a user given a partial path taken by the user within a geographic area. The destination analysis module operates by detecting a mode of transportation that a user uses to traverse the path (e.g., automobile, public transportation, walking, etc.). The destination analysis module then loads a model associated with the mode of transportation into a destination prediction module and estimates at least one destination based on the path and the model. The model has various components that depend on the mode of transportation, such as routing network information and prior probability information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product are disclosed for creating and displaying shortcuts and landmarks on a navigational map. The embodiments include storing context data in a mobile wireless device, the context data including at least one of travel class of a shortcut path, limits of a shortcut path, or restrictions of a shortcut path. The shortcuts may be categorized by their context in travel classes such as car, bike, pedestrian, pram, wheelchair, walker, blind pedestrian, disabled pedestrian, or the like. The embodiments register in the mobile wireless device a starting location for a shortcut path and record locations of the device as the device moves along the shortcut path. The embodiments receive signals describing a landmark at a landmark location along the shortcut path, including digital photographs, descriptive text and voice clips. The embodiments then form in a shortcut mapping file the recorded shortcut path, information about the landmark, and the context data.

Abstract: A system for identifying a fastest possible travel route is disclosed. A traveler data processor collects traffic speed data and associates the traffic speed data with road segments. The road segments collectively represent one or more possible travel routes from a start point to an end point. A forecast engine determines a predicted travel time for each of the road segments based on, for example, the traffic speed data for each of the road segments. A routing engine determines the fastest possible travel route from the start point to the end point. The fastest possible travel route is the possible travel route from the one or more possible travel routes with the shortest predicted travel time.

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

Abstract: A travel information service system and a method of providing a travel information service which can perform guidance of travel information appropriate for a travel purpose and a travel type are provided. The method of providing the travel information service includes: a first operation of providing a travel course for each area and point of interest (POI) information for each course using a user interface; a second operation of creating a travel route based on user selection of the travel course for each area and the POI information for each course; and a third operation of performing map guidance based on the created travel route.

Abstract: A facility-around-route retrieval device includes a map disk 3 for storing map data and facility data, a route calculation unit 13 for calculating a route to a destination by using the map data stored in the map disk, a facility retrieval condition setting unit 16 for setting a facility retrieval condition, and a facility-around-route retrieval unit 17 for retrieving, in a case where a facility around the route calculated in the route calculation unit is retrieved in accordance with the condition set in the facility retrieval condition setting unit, the facility present only on a side of a traveling lane of a vehicle of a divided road from the facility data stored in the map disk when the route includes the divided road.

Abstract: A method of displaying a navigation map includes preprocessing photorealistic three-dimensional data offline. A location of a vehicle is automatically determined online. A portion of the preprocessed photorealistic three-dimensional data is identified that is associated with objects that are disposed within a geographic area. The geographic area includes the location of the vehicle. A nonphotorealistic image is rendered based on the identified portion of the preprocessed data. The nonphotorealistic image is electronically displayed to a user within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for utilizing a communication channel of a mobile device by a vehicular assembly. In operation, a vehicular assembly communicates with a mobile device having a wireless communication channel. Additionally, at least one vehicular assembly function is performed utilizing the wireless communication channel of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for utilizing a selectable location marker for relational display of point of interest entries. In one embodiment, the method includes prompting selection of a point of interest location marker on a navigation device, and displaying selectable point of interest entries on the navigation device in an order based upon a location related to a selected point of interest location marker and a relative location of each of the selectable point of interest entries.

Abstract: Businesses and other entities may be assigned geographic locations based on various types of data. In one example, entities are associated with segments in a street grid. Additionally, data points (e.g., geotagged blog entries or other online information) are associated with segments in the street grid. For a given segment, data points are compared with entities to identify possible matches between the data points and the entities. Each match is assigned a score, and each match represents a possible physical location for a given entity. The locations of entities on the street are assigned, from among the matches, based on which assignment of entities optimizes the aggregate score for the segment, while satisfying one or more physical constraints.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation system to provide a route guidance message for traveling a route is disclosed. A preferred name of a feature visible from a road segment is obtained from a geographic database associated with the navigation system. A guidance message stating the preferred name of the feature visible from the road segment is determined. The preferred name includes at least one visible descriptor selected from a group consisting of a color of the identified feature, a building material of the identified feature, a shape of the identified feature, an architectural style of the identified feature, and a decorative element of the identified feature.

Abstract: Driving directions are presented where a maneuver in the driving directions includes a road symbol and an action symbol. A road symbol identifies the road involved in the particular maneuver, and an action symbol identifies an action to be performed to execute the particular maneuver. In one example, a road symbol, an action symbol and narrative text may be presented in displayed or printed driving directions. In another example, a road symbol and an action symbol may be used to describe a maneuver presented by an on-board or mobile navigation system when the vehicle in which the navigation system is present approaches the point at which the maneuver is to be taken. The road symbol and the action symbol may be presented with, or without, narrative driving directions.

Abstract: A navigation method includes receiving a positioning signal, displaying a navigation map corresponding to the positioning signal, receiving a plurality of activity information with latitude and longitude, providing an information preference menu, and displaying an activity icon of corresponding activity information on a corresponding activity location of the navigation map according to the setting of the information preference menu and the latitude and longitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing point of interest (POI) information of a mobile terminal. The method and apparatus extract POI information, where the POI information and/or associated road information is included in an image captured by a camera. Location information of an image capture place and image capture direction information are read from the digital photo image, and the POI information corresponding to the location and image capture direction information is extracted from a map data, and the extracted POI information is thereafter displayed on the digital photo image.

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

Abstract: Route planning methods and systems are provided. First, an input corresponding to a specific region is received via an input unit of a personal navigation device. Then, a first predefined location located in the specific region is determined. A first route from a first current position of the device to the first predefined location is planned.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device 10 includes reception means 60 for receiving a telephone number and positional information about a first point location from a portable device 30, storage means 70 for storing telephone numbers and positional information about multiple second point locations, first comparison means 62a for comparing the telephone number of the first point location with the telephone numbers of the multiple second point locations, second comparison means 62b for comparing the positional information about the first point location with the positional information about the multiple second point locations, display means 63 for displaying a point of interest on a map on the basis of comparison results of the first and second comparison means by using either the positional information about the first point location or the positional information about one of the multiple second point locations corresponding to the first point location.

Abstract: A GPS sensor senses a current position of a vehicle. A map database stores map data. A controller obtains road information of a road ahead of the vehicle from the map data based on the sensed current position of the vehicle. Then, the controller measures a distance from the vehicle to a predetermined object, which serves as a sensing subject, on the road when the obtained road information is predetermined road information. Then, the controller outputs the measured distance as control information of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation system to provide a route guidance message for traveling a route is disclosed. A plurality of features visible from a road segment of the route is obtained from a geographic database associated with the navigation system. An importance rating for each of the identified features is determined. The guidance message references the identified feature having a highest determined importance rating. The importance rating considers a permanence or a seasonal dependency of the identified feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic communication device, a portable electronic device, a method, a computer program product, a computer program element, and a system for organizing electronic media data in relation to fix points of geographic locations. The method for organizing electronic media data in relation to fix points of geographic locations, according to the present invention, comprises: obtaining at least one said fix point related to a scheme (step 804), obtaining at least a link to electronic media data under the control of a user (step 808), obtaining at least a link to electronic media data under the control of a user (step 808), determining position of said user (step 810), and associating said obtained data with said at least one fix point (step 816), so that a link from said at least one fix point to the associated data can be provided to the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation system to provide a route guidance message for traveling a route is disclosed. A plurality of features visible from a road segment of the route is obtained from a geographic database associated with the navigation system. An importance rating for each of the identified features is determined. The guidance message references the identified feature having a highest determined importance rating. The importance rating considers a permanence or a seasonal dependency of the identified feature. The importance rating is adjusted to favor the identified feature closest to the lane in which the vehicle is currently located.