Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle that includes a screen that is operable to display at least one object, and wherein the object automatically changes in size when the vehicle changes between a drive mode and a park mode.

Abstract: A technology for preventing a driver from being distracted even if a navigation operates on an input device in the rear seat. A navigation system, connected to a combination of an output/input devices of a driver and to a combination of an output device and an input device of a fellow passenger, comprises a setting information storage unit storing setting information indicating whether or not information generated is to be output to the output device of the driver and an output processing unit, to the output device of the driver according to the setting information read from the setting information storage unit. When operation information enters from the input device of the fellow passenger, the setting information, stored in the setting information storage unit for the processing, changes to the information indicating that information is not output to the output device of the driver.

Abstract: An image extraction apparatus comprising a GPS receiver is provided. The apparatus comprises a lens, a sensor, a display device, a storage medium comprising an ecological database, an input device, a GPS receiver, a DSP unit, and a microprocessor. When a shooting signal from the input device is received, the microprocessor enables the sensor to receives an ecological image through the lens and transmits the ecological image to the DSP unit, obtains longitude and latitude corresponding to a current location of the image extraction apparatus through the GPS receiver, retrieves ecological data from the ecological database according to the longitude and latitude, enables the DSP unit to compare the ecological image and the ecological data, and displays comparison results on the display device.

Abstract: A controller of a navigation apparatus acquires audio information when it is determined in a display switch process that a display of a display device is stored in a center console portion. An audio information image is generated from the acquired audio information. The generated audio information image is displayed on an exposed portion of a viewing area of the display. Even if the viewing area of the display is partially concealed by the center console portion, an exposed portion of the viewing area, which is not concealed by the center console portion, is effectively used. Useful information image such as an audio information image other than a usual navigation information image can be thus provided in the partially exposed portion of the viewing area of the display.

Abstract: The invention provides a real-image navigation apparatus capable of being mounted on a vehicle having transparent equipment (windows) installed therein, including an image-capturing unit adapted to instantly capture images of a road in front of a vehicle; a satellite navigation system adapted to navigate and generate navigation routes and driver-assisting navigation information; a comparing unit adapted to compare and determine the consistency between obtained images captured by the image-capturing unit and road parameters of mapping information pre-stored in the system, and further output three-dimensional navigation routes planned by cooperating with the system; and a see-through display unit mounted on transparent equipment installed within the vehicle to display real-time driver-assisting navigation information and 3-D navigation routes outputted by the comparing unit to the user/driver, thereby presenting useful navigation data and related geographical information without overly diverting eye focus or ob

Abstract: An in-vehicle electronic apparatus, to which a portable navigation apparatus is attachable, and which can output audio information to multiple audio outputting portions, and the in-vehicle electronic apparatus includes a receiver receiving as audio information, first audio information being navigation audio information output by the portable navigation apparatus and second audio information through the portable navigation apparatus, and an audio selector outputting the first audio information to at least one of the multiple audio outputting portions, when the audio information is the first audio information, and outputting the second audio information to the multiple audio outputting portions, when the audio information is the second audio information.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying map information on a portable computing device. When approaching a location at which maneuvering guidance is to be provided by the portable computing device, the portable computing device presents alternating images on a display screen. The alternating images include an overhead view map image and either a perspective view map image or a stylized image. The stylized image can be either a 2D image or a 3D image.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic display unit including a case, a display screen disposed within a front portion of the case, and a main support coupled to a side of the case for allowing a user to lift the vehicle diagnostic display unit with one hand. A navigation pad is disposed on a front surface of the main support, and the main support is configured to allow the user to simultaneously lift the diagnostic display unit and access the navigation pad with a thumb. The display unit also includes a user-replaceable, transparent protective cover that attaches to the front portion of the case over the display screen. The display unit and the protective cover include novel features that allow the protective cover to be replaced by a user without having to return the display unit to the manufacturer.

Abstract: An information retrieval system for retrieving information relating to a locality includes a data collecting module for collecting data relating to a location of the device and the locality in which the device is located. A processor, which is in communication with the data collecting module, processes the collected data to provide formatted data suitable for printing. A printing unit is associated with the device for printing the formatted data to provide information relating to the locality.

Abstract: A map image display device is configured and arranged to improve operability by enabling a map image of a location distant from a currently displayed map image to be appropriately displayed with a simple operation. The map image display device displays names that are subject to a user's input command superimposed on a map image, and, if one of the displayed names is specified, switches the map image to be displayed to a map image in the vicinity of the specified name. At this time, the map image display device selects as the name to be superimposed on the map image at least one distant map name that is not included in the map image to be displayed, and displays that selected distant map name superimposed in the map image peripheral part corresponding to the bearing from the center of the map image to be displayed.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for a navigation system continuously provides the user the predetermined type of information, typically, the route to the destination even when the user changes the screen to any type of screen in the middle of the route guidance mode. The display method is comprised of the steps of starting a route guidance mode for guiding a user to a destination, detecting whether a user has changed to a new screen different from that in the route guidance mode, determining whether the user has reached the destination, displaying a route guidance screen within the new screen when the user has not reached the destination.

Abstract: A display system able to display a television screen and a navigation screen, giving due consideration to safe vehicle operation, provided with a screen switching unit for displaying a television screen instead of a navigation screen at least at part of a display screen during display of the navigation screen, a switching instructing unit for instructing switching to the screen switching unit when detecting that a predetermined event has occurred, or a screen area setting unit for setting a specific area in the screen for display by switching by the screen switching unit instead of the switching instructing unit.

Abstract: A method of providing a gesticulating anthropomorphic interface in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving driver input data including a function to be performed. The method also comprises receiving vehicle data corresponding to the function. The function is executed in response to the driver input data and the vehicle data and the executing results in output data. The output data is translated into a command for a gesticulating anthropomorphic figure. The gesticulating anthropomorphic figure is displayed making a gesture responsive to the command.

Abstract: A name of a thoroughfare is identified from at least one name for the thoroughfare in reference to a set of criteria. In one example, the set of criteria includes whether or not the thoroughfare is an interstate, whether or not a name is shielded, has a suffix, and/or has an identified prefix. Interstate thoroughfares are often identified by a shielded name of the interstate thoroughfare, and non-interstate thoroughfares are often identified by a non-shielded name of the non-interstate thoroughfare. The identified name includes a name which is most recognized or well-known for navigating.

Abstract: Methods, data structures, and systems provide techniques for processing track logs. A track log is represented as a plurality of track points. The track points represent geographic positions previously traversed. The track log and the track points are overlaid on a map and presented on a display in communication with a portable navigation device. Track points are graphically selected and identified via the display. Any graphically selected track point is also associated with a selectable operation for immediate, automatic, and/or subsequent execution on the portable navigation device.

Abstract: A multi-functional flight information display unit consisting of a compact, portable, and updateable display system contained within the dimensions of a traditional flight bag. The invention includes a system which gathers flight information, weather mapping, traffic, airport and other data and compiles the data, disseminates the data electronically and displays the data on a portable, compact display unit in the cockpits of large commercial aircraft, thereby eliminating paper charts and approach plates in an aircraft.