Abstract: A method is proposed for entering place names into a device for processing the place names, in particular into a navigation device in a vehicle, where in the case that a match of a place name is ambiguous, a graphical representation for distinguishing the respective places of the same name is displayed for selection of the particular place.

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: Disclosed is a method and system for recommending locations keyed to a map database system and providing navigation instructions to the recommended locations to a driver of a vehicle by gathering actual statistics about the preferences of the user and/or by comparing the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population.

Abstract: A method of notifying a user of an appointment at a remote location includes receiving an appointment time and an appointment location inputted into a personal navigation device operated by a user, determining the current location of the personal navigation device, and determining the user's routing preferences when traveling to the appointment location. The method also includes estimating a travel time for the user to travel from the current location to the appointment location when traveling according to the user's routing preferences, determining a notification time based on the estimated travel time and the appointment time, and notifying the user of the appointment at the notification time.

Abstract: Navigation of an aircraft is facilitated through the displaying on a map of an over flown region, and of the limits of zones within range of the aircraft in an emergency situation. The points of the zones within range of the aircraft are tagged on the basis of: an estimate of the vertical margins to reach these points, taking into account non-maneuverability zones neighboring the aircraft to be circumvented; a vertical flight profile to be complied with; and a safety height margin.

Abstract: A driver information system includes a main memory, a data carrier holding device for holding a data carrier and including a display element and at least one operating element. The data carrier has map data which are divided into planar areas or tiles, and data of different tiles having the same content stored only once on the data carrier.

Abstract: A method for displaying a runway incursion for an aircraft includes electronically gathering traffic information data from a traffic information system, employing a runway incursion algorithm to the traffic information data to detect a collision hazard, automatically calculating incursion data, and displaying the incursion data. A runway incursion detection system has a display unit, a computer and a software product that enables methodology herein.

Abstract: A method for vehicular communications and information reporting. First and second wireless Internet connections between respective first and second vehicles and a web-server are provided. First and second event information is transmitted, to the web-server, from the first and second vehicles. The first and second event information relates to the same event in visual range, respectively, of occupants of the first and second vehicles. The web server may transmit, to the first and second vehicles, confirmed event information derived from the first and second event information.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus including a memory for storing building data of buildings; a display; a decimating unit for decimating the building data based on the unit of the bar scale of a map appearing on the display; and a display controller for displaying the buildings on a map on the display based on the building data decimated by the decimating unit.

Abstract: In an electronic map apparatus, an electronic map is displayed in accordance with map data read out from a DVD-ROM. Then, distance display circles which have a common center located at a point on the electronic map and each interconnect points on the electronic map at equal geographical distances from the point are drawn. As a result, it is possible to know an approximate geographical distance to a destination intuitively and easily in the electronic map apparatus which is typically used for car navigation.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and method store traffic information and searches for a guidance route to a specified destination. The apparatus and method calculate congestion degrees for the guidance route based on a factor by time period and the stored traffic information and display the guidance route and the congestion degrees by time period.

Abstract: A method for dividing a field into zones with similar crop attributes and developing a mission plan for steering the harvester to selectively harvest crops based on one or more of the attributes. The attributes include protein level, starch level, oil level, sugar content, moisture level, digestible nutrient level, or any other crop characteristic of interest. The method can be applied to selectively harvest and/or segregate according to attribute any crop, including grains such as wheat, corn, or beans, fruits such as grapes, and forage crops. Directed crop sampling provides absolute value and variance information for segregated batches of harvested crop.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a system for assisting a user in selecting a route. The system may include a request receiving module. The request receiving module may be configured to receive a route request including map information and route information entered by a user. The map information may be selected from the group consisting of a starting point, an ending point, a landmark point, and combinations thereof. The route information may be selected from the group consisting of lighting criteria, travel surface criteria, population density criteria, weather criteria, distance criteria, speed criteria, calorie criteria, time criteria, elevation change criteria, landmark criteria, and combinations thereof. The system may include a map retrieving module that is configured to retrieve a map based on the map information. The system may include a route providing module that is configured to provide one or more selected routes on the map based on the route information.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting boundary crossings may involve the use of rectangles that approximate a boundary. Data defining the rectangles may be retrieved, and a current location of a monitored device may be identified. The current location may be compared with the rectangles, and a determination that the current location is located within a rectangle may indicate a boundary crossing. To simplify the calculations on the monitored device, certain calculations may be performed in advance. For example, an angle between a selected side of a particular rectangle and an axis of the coordinate system may be determined, and the particular rectangle may be rotated by the angle to orient the rotated rectangle parallel to the axis of the coordinate system. Subsequently, location coordinates for a monitored device may be rotated and compared with a corresponding rotated rectangle to determine whether the monitored device is located within the particular rectangle.

Abstract: A navigation device mounted on an automotive vehicle includes geographical map data, a position detector such as a global navigation system and a device for calculating a driving route from a starting point or a present position to a destination. When the vehicle is going to cross a border such as a national border, the driving route is calculated to include a parking spot close to the border. A driver of the vehicle is guided to temporarily park at the parking spot to obtain local information including traffic regulations in a country he/she is going to enter. Since the local information is given to the driver while he is parking, the driver is able to concentrate on obtaining the local information in detail without sacrificing driving safety.

Abstract: A system and method for off route processing is disclosed. The system and method can be used to provide information when an off route condition occurs. The system and method can include provisions to make modifications in the way navigation information is displayed. The system and method can also provide a selectable re-route mode and selectable re-route information.

Abstract: A routing guide system includes route calculating means for calculating the route of a vehicle to a destination, image providing means for reading from storage means scenery images on the route calculated by the route calculating means, and display means for displaying the scenery images on the calculated route generated by the image providing means. The routing guide system also includes route confirming means for confirming as a set route the route calculated by the route calculating means, according to an operation, during or after display of the scenery images on the calculated route by means of the display means.

Abstract: There are provided a navigation apparatus and a navigation method capable of performing a character display reflecting the operation result of a user. The navigation apparatus includes a facility search section that searches for a facility fulfilling a set search condition; a display flag changing section that sets a character string, which is displayed at a position corresponding to the facility searched by the facility search section, as a character string indicating the facility; a map drawing section that draws a map image including the location of the facility searched by the facility search section and the character string set by the display flag changing section; and a display processing section and a display device, which display the map image drawn by the map drawing section.

Abstract: A navigation system with a function of one-touch map matching correction, and a method thereof. The navigation system includes a GPS module for receiving each position signal, and measuring self position and driving direction; a map database for storing map data; a storage unit for storing a candidate designation index, road information, a guidance stop flag, a flag activating a map-matching correction button, and voice data for road sequence guidance; a display unit for displaying the map data, activating or deactivating the map-matching correction button, and generating a coordinate value of a position; and a controller for indexing the parallel roads, generating a candidate road array, activating the map-matching correction button, and sequentially selecting candidate roads while performing the map matching correction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a navigation system displays a route guidance list that lists information on roads that intersect with a calculated route to the destination in an organized and simplified manner. The method includes the steps of calculating a route to a destination specified by a user, retrieving information on intersecting roads that intersect with the calculated route; and displaying a route guidance list which lists road names on which the calculated route is established and a distance associated with the intersecting road. The route guidance list shows one integrated road name if there are two or more identical road names consecutively on the calculated route and an overall distance of the identical road names that intersect with the calculated route.

Abstract: A map information display apparatus that displays a map for a mobile object includes: a grouping unit (111) that divides a map included in an image displayed by a map display unit (115) into a plurality of areas; a display position determination unit (113) that selects, for each of the plurality of areas, at most a predetermined number of points as points for displaying estimated transit times, the predetermined number being equal to or larger than 1; a time calculation unit (114) that calculates the estimated transit times of the selected points; and the map display unit (115) that displays an image including the map and the estimated transit times.

Abstract: A map information display apparatus that displays a map for a mobile object includes: a grouping unit (111) that divides a map included in an image displayed by a map display unit (115) into a plurality of areas; a display position determination unit (113) that selects, for each of the plurality of areas, at most a predetermined number of points as points for displaying estimated transit times, the predetermined number being equal to or larger than 1; a time calculation unit (114) that calculates the estimated transit times of the selected points; and the map display unit (115) that displays an image including the map and the estimated transit times.

Abstract: A map information display apparatus that displays a map for a mobile object includes: a grouping unit (111) that divides a map included in an image displayed by a map display unit (115) into a plurality of areas; a display position determination unit (113) that selects, for each of the plurality of areas, at most a predetermined number of points as points for displaying estimated transit times, the predetermined number being equal to or larger than 1; a time calculation unit (114) that calculates the estimated transit times of the selected points; and the map display unit (115) that displays an image including the map and the estimated transit times.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and a driving direction guiding method are capable of clearly indicating a correct direction in which a vehicle should be driven at an exit when the vehicle exits a parking area through the exit. When a position measurement unit detects that the vehicle has entered a parking area based on measured position information, a CPU clearly indicates, on a display, a correct direction in which the vehicle should be driven at an exit of the parking area so that a user can know in advance the correct direction in which to drive his/her vehicle after passing through the exit of the parking area.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A navigation system, and a method for guiding a moving object having the navigation system, include a control unit which determines a current position of the moving object and whether the moving object has arrived at a guide point of a guide target. The control unit provides the drive path based on the current position of the moving object. Upon arrival of the moving object at the guide point, a first turn guide icon and a second turn guide icon are determined for the guide target, wherein the first turn guide icon and the second turn guide icon collectively represent suggested vehicle operations at the guide point and a drive direction at a position of the guide target from a plurality of previously stored turn guide icons. The guide icons are sequentially displayed relative to the drive path throughout the vehicle operation at the guide point.

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: A driving information analysis apparatus which serves well to assist drivers' safe driving with the ease of checking analysis results is provided. Based on driving information read by a CF card reader, a vehicle mark is displayed on a map to indicate position information of a vehicle when an event occurs. Simultaneously with the vehicle mark, a surrounding image of the vehicle corresponding to the position information is displayed on a display section. Such displays favorably help analyze what situation occurs where.

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 driver's action at a target intersection in a guided route is predicted based on driving data. When the driver is attempting to go straight ahead at a target intersection where the driver should make a turn, or when the driver is attempting to make a turn at a target intersection where the driver should go straight ahead, the predicted driver's action is determined to disagree with the guided route. In this case, an execution of an audio guidance is performed but re-execution is awaited for a predetermined period. Further, when the driver is attempting to go straight ahead at a target intersection where the driver should make a turn, an audio guidance is executed after a distance to the target intersection is determined to be smaller than a required distance computed from a vehicle speed.

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: A method and apparatus for use with a navigation system to search specified type of information along a calculated route to a destination by incorporating search criteria based on city or other regional zones. The method includes the steps of building one or more zones to be traversed in travelling on the calculated route to the destination based on map data, displaying a list of zones on the calculated route to prompt a user to select a zone, displaying a list of types of information to prompt the user to select a type of information to be searched, searching information along the calculated route within the selected zone within a predetermined search range of the calculated route, and displaying the information of the selected type within the selected zone resulted from the search.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining traffic information using billing information of a mobile terminal. The method can prevent crosstalk between a vehicle on a highway and a vehicle on a local road parallel to the highway and obtain correct traffic information associated with the highway, when obtaining information indicative of a road traffic state in real time by obtaining a unique number of the mobile terminal from the billing information and tracking a moving time of a corresponding mobile terminal between base stations where the mobile terminal attempts a telephone call on the highway.

Abstract: An image display whereby one can extremely easily know the current position of one's own vehicle and also grasp the actual situation around the current position of the vehicle, and with which the user gets highly satisfied. The image display includes a display device to display a photo picture on a prescribed reduced scale which is prepared based on photo data on a first scale that is read from a storage device in which photo data of two or more types in different scales to one area is stored, and a display switching device to conduct display switching according to a user's command to a photo picture on another reduced scale which is prepared based on photo data in a second scale that is different from the first scale.

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: 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: 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: 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 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 method for obtaining additional information pertaining to a route along which a vehicle is traveling from a current location to a destination. Location information of the vehicle, which includes the current location, is acquired by an in-vehicle computer within the vehicle. The in-vehicle computer transmits to a server via a network: the location information, movable range information, and selection criteria information. A movable range derivable from the movable range information is an area relative to the current location in which the vehicle can travel from the current location by using a remaining amount of fuel in the vehicle when the vehicle is at the current location. A limited range with respect to the route is a function of the location information, the movable range information, and the selection criteria information. The in-vehicle computer receives, from the server, additional information limited to information concerning locations within the limited range.

Abstract: An emulator, which is a computer program, for simulating 32 bit ARINC-429 data output by an Inertial Navigation System on board a P-3 aircraft. The value for each word output by the emulator is adjustable by user. The user adjusts each value by using the computer's mouse to engage slider controls located on a computer applications window. ARINC-429 data which the user adjusts includes aircraft latitude, longitude and altitude data as well as pitch and roll data for the aircraft, and time and distance to a destination by the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a refresh rate of a dynamic billboard. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: obtaining traffic flow information; and determining the refresh rate of the dynamic billboard based on the traffic flow information.

Abstract: A recommended route calculation method for calculating a recommended route from a current position to a destination based upon map data constituted of nodes and links, includes steps of: extracting attribute data of a link from data related to the links, the attribute data indicating characteristics of the link; judging whether or not the extracted attribute data of the link match attribute data having been input; and processing so that selectability of the link as a part of the recommended route is raised, when judging that the extracted attribute data of the link match the attribute data having been input.

Abstract: A map information display apparatus that displays a map for a mobile object includes: a grouping unit (111) that divides a map included in an image displayed by a map display unit (115) into a plurality of areas; a display position determination unit (113) that selects, for each of the plurality of areas, at most a predetermined number of points as points for displaying estimated transit times, the predetermined number being equal to or larger than 1; a time calculation unit (114) that calculates the estimated transit times of the selected points; and the map display unit (115) that displays an image including the map and the estimated transit times.

Abstract: A method for making destination guidance instructions available to a user, wherein at least two direction indications, from a current position to waypoints and to a destination, respectively, are prepared and are outputted for the user. At least one distance indication is also prepared. Output of these indications may be accomplished simultaneously on a display. Output of these indications may be used in a region where no known map data or route data are available to the user.

Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation device in which a route search block outputs a search result of a guiding route from an exit of the expressway to an entrance of the expressway by way of the selected facility to a display block to make the display block display the search result in a case where a present position detected by a present position detection block is on an expressway and where position of a target facility selected by a facility information selection block is outside the expressway.

Abstract: A sports information viewing method for a navigation system designed for receiving sports information and displaying the sport information in multiple windows on a display device, the method comprises a step of forming a database of sports information including, current sports information and past sports information in a memory, a step for setting a keyword and priority for retrieving the sports information, a step for retrieving the sports information according to the keyword and the priority, a step for sorting the sports information according to a predetermined order, and a step for displaying the retrieved sports information on the display device.