Intersection Turn Guidance Patents (Class 340/995.2)
  • Patent number: 8335641
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs search for a route to a destination and set a recommended travel lane, based on the searched for route. The systems, methods, and programs provide lane guidance to lead the vehicle into the recommended lane. The systems, methods, and programs receive a current position of the vehicle and determine a movement direction of the vehicle, based on the received current position and the recommended lane. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether to provide lane guidance based on the movement direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Nakayama, Shino Oonishi, Kensuke Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8315796
    Abstract: A navigation device includes a map database 5 that holds map data; a location and direction measurement unit 4 that measures the current location and direction of a vehicle; a route calculation unit 12 that, based on map data read from the map database 5, calculates a route from the current location measured by the location and direction measurement unit to a destination; a camera 7 that captures video images ahead of the vehicle; a video image acquisition unit 8 that acquires the video images ahead of the vehicle captured by the camera; a road width acquisition unit 16 that, based on road width data included in the map data read from the map database, calculates the width of a road segment that enters last into an intersection to which the vehicle is to be guided from among road segments that make up the route calculated by the route calculation unit; a video image composition processing unit 14 that limits the length of a portion that indicates a turning direction of a route guide arrow to the road width ca
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Yamaguchi, Takashi Nakagawa, Toyoaki Kitano, Hideto Miyazaki, Tsutomu Matsubara, Katsuya Kawai
  • Patent number: 8306743
    Abstract: A route guiding apparatus includes a subtraction distance calculating unit 18 for calculating a distance from an entrance of a guidance intersection determined by a route guidance unit 16 to a center of the guidance intersection according to the width of a road going out of the guidance intersection in a direction along a route to define the distance as a subtraction distance, a notification distance calculating unit 19 for subtracting the subtraction distance calculated by the subtraction distance calculating unit from the distance from a current position detected by a current position detecting unit 12 to the center of the guidance intersection determined by the route guidance unit to calculate a notification distance to be notified, and a display unit 20 for displaying the notification distance calculated by the notification distance calculating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Naomiki Komatsu, Takashi Irie, Yoshiki Akashi, Kumi Nishibashi
  • Patent number: 8306736
    Abstract: A method for route simulation operation on a navigation system is able to complete the route simulation operation within a short period of time. The method includes the steps of: calculating a route from a starting point to a destination; determining a first route simulation speed for a preset number of first turns from the starting point; determining a second route simulation speed for a preset number of last turns before the destination; determining a third route simulation speed for a remaining part of the calculated route; and displaying a progression indicator on the calculated route to the destination on a map image on the screen of the navigation system and moving the progression indicator based on the simulation speeds determined in the above steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 8260499
    Abstract: An automatic steering system for a work vehicle comprises a position sensor for detecting a position of the vehicle, a memory for storing information about a nominal path of the vehicle and a control unit coupled to the position sensor, to the memory and to a steering actuator for steering the vehicle. The control submits control signals to the steering actuator that depend upon a feedback gain and a lateral offset between the actual position and the nominal path. The feedback gain depends upon a sensed payload of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Broughton Boydell
  • Patent number: 8232900
    Abstract: A navigation system provides guidance for performing a U-turn. The navigation system includes a processing unit, which acquires guidance route information and road information to determine whether the guidance route requires a turning around in a divided two-lane road. If a turning around is required, the processing unit specifies an extension distance of a connection road of the divided two-lane road. U-turn guidance is provided if the extension distance is at or below a predetermined length, or otherwise, to guidance is provided to prompt a double turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8214143
    Abstract: Navigation devices, methods, and programs obtain information indicating a route of a host vehicle, obtain information indicating a position of the host vehicle, and obtain information indicating a form of a number (N) of successive curves (where N is an integer of 2 or more) in front of the host vehicle position on the route. The devices, methods, and programs excite a vibrator provided at a position where contact with a driver of the host vehicle is possible in a vibration mode corresponding to the form of the N successive curves when the host vehicle reaches a position at a predetermined distance from the closest curve among the N successive curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyajima, Kazuhide Adachi
  • Patent number: 8204681
    Abstract: A navigation device provides route guidance only by voice guidance even if route guidance by a display screen is impossible. A navigation device displays on a display device a navigation screen including a map about a current position. The display device can enter a no-display state. In the navigation device, regardless of the state of the navigation screen, a route guidance method is performed. More particularly, in the display state, a guidance route is determined by a normal mode and route guidance is performed by both voice and display. In the no-display state, a guidance route including fewer movement methods is determined and route guidance is made only by voice guidance. Thus, in the no-display state where the navigation screen is not displayed, a guidance route is determined so as to enable route guidance only by voice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Chihiro Hirose
  • Patent number: 8179241
    Abstract: A camera of a ground-based information dispatch apparatus captures a blind-spot image, showing a region that is a blind spot with respect to a vehicle driver. A vehicle-mounted camera captures a forward-view image corresponding to the viewpoint of the driver, and the forward-view image is transmitted to the information dispatch apparatus together with vehicle position and direction information and camera parameters. Based on the received information, the blind-spot image is converted to a corresponding image having the viewpoint of the vehicle driver, and the forward-view image and viewpoint-converted blind-spot image are combined to form a synthesized image, which is transmitted to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakai, Yukimasa Tamatsu, Ankur Datta, Yaser Sheikh, Takeo Kanade
  • Patent number: 8180567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation device (10). The navigation device (10) is arranged to display navigation directions (3, 4, 5) on a display (18). The navigation device (10) is further arranged to receive a feed from a camera (24). The navigation device (10) is further arranged to display a combination of a camera image fr>m the feed fr>m the camera (24) and the navigation directions (3, 4, 5) on the display (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: TomTom International B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Geelen, Marc Mattu
  • Patent number: 8170795
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system helps guide a driver to a destination by enhancing visualization of upcoming intersections. The navigation system stores animation data that depicts the intersection as it will appear to the driver. The animation data may be a sequence of images (e.g., digital camera images) taken at intervals before and after the intersection. The navigation system may show the images in synchronism with the progress of the vehicle to provide an animated display of the intersection for the driver. The animated display aids the driver with following a recommended navigation route to the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Brülle-Drews, Volker Grabs
  • Patent number: 8131466
    Abstract: When a vehicle travels along a guidance path and approaches an intersection, a vehicle navigation system determines crossing points between a circle having its center set to the intersection and a predetermined radius, and an approach link and an exit link for the intersection. The system also sets a direction connecting the crossing point for the approach link and the intersection as an approach direction, and sets a direction connecting the intersection and the crossing point for the exit link as an exit direction. The system determines a traveling direction at the intersection based on an angular difference between the approach direction and the exit direction, and determines a display position of the intersection on a screen. Further, an enlarged intersection image is drawn such that the approach direction is aligned with a 12 o'clock direction on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsunori Iwatani
  • Patent number: 8126644
    Abstract: A PC of a travel support system displays running video of a predetermined route, and if a predetermined intersection is set as a warning point by a user, sends warning point setting information to a server. If the server acquires the warning point setting information from the PC, the server updates a user DB. A navigational device sends travel route related information of a travel route set by the user to the server. The server sends detailed guidance information of the warning point included in the traveling route set in the navigational device to the navigational device. Upon arrival at the warning point, the navigational device notifies detailed guidance, and upon arrival at an existing guidance point, the navigational device notifies existing guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Increment P Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Amano
  • Patent number: 8099233
    Abstract: A map display controller displays a three-dimensional map image on a display screen of a display device, and superimposes a route wall standing from a route and along the route in the three dimensional map image on the display device. This reduces a difficulty in confirming the route behind structures such as a building in the three-dimensional map image displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Nagako Matsuno, Kei Nagiyama
  • Patent number: 8086404
    Abstract: The present invention provides an on-vehicle navigation system in which a user can perform predetermined driving using a special lane such as a carpool lane appropriately and without anxiety where advancing from a normal lane in a predetermined advancing authorized section and exiting to the normal lane in a predetermined exiting authorized section are authorized. The system includes a remaining number notifying section for notifying the user of the remaining number of at least one of an exiting authorized section for exiting from a special lane to the normal lane and an advancing authorized section for advancing to the special lane from a normal lane, between a vehicle position detected by a vehicle position calculation section and an interchange point or an exit of a plural-lane road including the special lane and the normal lane which exists on a recommended route, in performing route guidance of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michinao Asano
  • Patent number: 8082094
    Abstract: This invention discloses a navigation apparatus correcting position data according to a map matching position and a method thereof. The navigation apparatus includes a satellite positioning module, an electronic map database, a map matching module and a correction module. The satellite positioning module provides a plurality of position data. The electronic map database stores at least one map data. The map matching module matches a position data with a map data to generate a map matching position corresponding to the position data. The correction module provides at least one turning point, and each turning point is situated at the map matching position to form an turning angular. If the turning angular exceeds a threshold value, the correction module calculates a position data and a map matching position statically collected within a predetermined time according to an algorithm to generate an offset to correct the position data behind the turning point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitac Research (Shanghai) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Tao Gao
  • Patent number: 8010281
    Abstract: A route between locations includes a detailed set of directions to get from a present location to a destination. A route summary is provided, showing a subset of the roads needed to be traveled to go from the present location to the destination. The route summary is determined at least in part based on a set of rules for evaluating the roads in the route for inclusion in the route summary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berry, Mark Scalf
  • Patent number: 7945383
    Abstract: A navigation system is able to find an optimum route to a destination even when a large non-digitized area exists between a starting point to the destination. The navigation system produces processing points based on a particular shape and size of the large non-digitized area and determines whether such processing points should be used for route search operations. When it is determined that the route search operation is effective, the navigation system performs A* algorithm search operations with respect to the start point, processing points and the destination and detects an optimum route to detour the large non-digitized area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc
    Inventors: Ihung Tu, David Schaaf, Tien Vu
  • Patent number: 7933715
    Abstract: A navigation device and the like capable of harmonizing a navigation route for guiding a mobile body set on the basis of a support route search result by a navigation server and a navigation route for also guiding the mobile body set independently of the navigation route, from a view point of guiding the mobile body smoothly. In the case where the second navigation route r2 is set in the condition where the first navigation route r1 is set, the second navigation route r2 is set and output so as to include a part dr1 of the first navigation route r1 which takes a position departing from the current position pt of the automobile 2 by a first distance d1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Sengoku, Aiko Sugawara, Tadafumi Nogawa, Masayuki Arai, Yoshitaka Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7925438
    Abstract: A navigation system displays a route guidance list on a monitor screen in an intuitive and organized manner so that a user can easily understand information regarding the maneuvering locations and actions associated with the route to the destination. The route guidance list is structured in a layered manner so that the information regarding the maneuvering actions at the locations closer to the current user position will be prioritized. For example, in the route guidance list, the information regarding the immediate maneuvering location and action is more detailed, enlarged, and highlighted than the others. The navigation system displays the route guidance list in which the information regarding the maneuvering locations and actions will be dynamically changed in response to the changes of the current location of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Lo
  • Patent number: 7920966
    Abstract: Navigation apparatuses, methods, and programs set a first reference point on a driving route, set a second reference point on the driving route, the second reference point being prior to the first reference point along the driving route, and set a third reference point on the driving route, the third reference point being after the first reference point along the driving route. The apparatuses, methods, and programs set a triangular area having vertices corresponding to the first reference point, the second reference point, and the third reference point and obtain three-dimensional map data around the triangular area. The apparatuses, methods, and programs set a predetermined translucent ratio for a structure included in the triangular area. The apparatuses, methods, and programs generate a moving three-dimensional image which displays the driving route overlapped with the structure set with the predetermined translucent ratio and display the generated three-dimensional motion-image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiko Emoto, Shinya Miyamoto, Kazuyoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7869947
    Abstract: A navigation system and method having a function of alerting the driver to potential wrong way driving comprises means 102 for determining a position of a vehicle 300, means 107 for calculating a driving route of the vehicle 300, means 108 for determining a driving manoeuvre in accordance with the predetermined driving route 305, means 104, 105, 110, 111 for outputting indications relating to the determined driving manoeuvre to a driver of the vehicle 300, and means 109 for alerting the driver to potential wrong way driving including means 201 for detecting a potential wrong way driving situation and means 202, 104, 105, 110, 111 for outputting an indication relating to the potential wrong way driving situation to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harmut Schirmer, Karl-Friedrich Rauterberg
  • Patent number: 7860645
    Abstract: The telematics service providing system generates a path from the departure point to the destination based on traffic information, generates guidance information for each guidance point where a turn to a direction that is different from the current progress direction of the client is needed on the generated path, clips a vicinity map covering a predetermined area with reference to the guidance point from the total map to generate a guidance point vicinity map, converts the generated guidance point vicinity map into a format displayable by the client, and provides the converted map to the client terminal. Accordingly, confusion caused by complex crossroads or paths that need consecutive and same direction turns may be prevented, the client terminal may not need a memory for storing large-volume geographic information data, and the client may not additionally need to upgrade the geographic information data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: SK Corporation
    Inventors: Do-Sung Kim, Won-Hee Cho, Jin-Kyung Park, In-Joon Choi, Min-Hui Park
  • Patent number: 7844394
    Abstract: A turn-by-turn navigation system includes a positioning module receiving position information and updating real time road information on a road where a car is currently located, a map database storing map information required for driving the car, a route planning/route guidance module receiving the real time road information and the map information and generating current guidance information and next guidance information, a turn-by-turn graphic user interface module receiving the current and next guidance information and generating current and next guidance images, and an image display unit displaying the current and next guidance images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Jeong Kim
  • Patent number: 7840347
    Abstract: A navigation system comprises an image display unit at which various images including a map are displayed, a touch panel operation detection unit that detects a touch panel operation performed by a user based upon a contact position at which the user has touched the image display unit, a specified road detection unit that detects a road segment specified by the user by tracing a corresponding road portion present in the map, based upon a locus of the contact position resulting from the touch panel operation detected by the touch panel operation detection unit, and a route setting unit that extends the detected road segment along a direction in which the road portion has been traced by the user and sets the extended road segment as a route to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Xanavi Informatics Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7809503
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus is obtained that can reduce as much as possible to blank interval during the navigation even when a route deviation has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Nakamura, Takayuki Miyajima, Motohiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7804424
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic guide apparatus for traffic facilities capable of automatically recognizing the circumstances around the traffic facilities for motor vehicles or the like which change momentarily to automatically guide the operating route of the road or the like. In the automatic guide apparatus for traffic facilities 1, image data, voice data or the like in connection with the circumstances around the traffic facilities to be operated obtained by the input device 2 are compared with image data, voice data or the like stored in advance in a database by the comparison device 4. Where the results obtained by comparing the image data, voice data or the like are coincided, the contents of the data are recognized by the recognition device 5, and the recognized results are informed to an operator or the like in a letter or character, an image, a voice or the like by the output device 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Iwane Laboratories, Ltd.
    Inventor: Waro Iwane
  • Patent number: 7788031
    Abstract: When a rotary intersection is of large scale, “rotary intersection guidance based on exit number” is provided. That is, it is informed from what number exit road of the multiple exit roads of a rotary intersection, relative to an entrance road, the driver should get off. For example, the guidance of “Get off from the second exit road ahead” is provided. In contrast, when a rotary intersection is of small scale and the rotary intersection is in simple shape, “rotary intersection guidance based on direction guidance” is provided. That is, the direction of an exit road about which guidance is to be provided, relative to an entrance road, is informed. For example, the guidance of “Turn to the right” is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masami Mikame
  • Patent number: 7765037
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Bagge, Donald J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 7737842
    Abstract: A global position system device including a host and a plurality of direction indicating lights is provided. The direction indicating lights are disposed at the host, wherein each direction indicating light is represented as one direction. The host controls the direction indicating lights such that one of the direction indicating lights is bright and the others are dark. Then, users are indicated by the direction indicating lights to make a turn or keep running straightforward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER Inc.
    Inventors: Jui-Chun Shyur, Wei-Huan Chou, Jian-Ming Peng, Kai-Chen Tien
  • Patent number: 7698063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation system in which that navigation system shows a configuration of a complicated intersection a driver is about to enter, and displays where to turn and a progression rate of the car on the path the driver is headed to. The navigation system comprises a Gyro sensor for detecting a rotation angle of the car; and route information from the Gyro sensor to generate the configuration of an intersection the user is supposed to enter and an arrow indicating a driving route to the user, and to display a progression rate of the car along the route; a display driving unit for displaying the configuration of the intersection and the arrow for route guidance, and a gradual progression rate of the car is indicated in the directional arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Jeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100063731
    Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented system for providing guidance information to aid a user in traveling along an off-road route. This system assumes that the route has already been determined. Also, it is assumed that the user's position and orientation can be determined, for example using existing techniques such as the global positioning system (GPS). The present invention uses a Look-Ahead-Point Finder (100) to find a point, which we refer to as a look-ahead point, located on the route ahead of the user's current location. A Guidance Message Constructor (102) and a Guidance Presenter (106) are used to present the user with guidance information directing him towards the look-ahead point. If the user is already headed towards the look-ahead point, then a Turn Analyzer (108) is used to search the route in order to find the next turn location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Primordial, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Milbert, Erik S. Freed, Kyle K. Estes
  • Patent number: 7647170
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus for a vehicle displays, based on map information, a map image for vicinity of a present position of the vehicle and a guidance route in superimposition in a display device. An end point relative to a moving arrow is defined as being a predetermined first distance ahead of the present position along the route; a start point is defined as being a predetermined second distance smaller than the first distance ahead of the present position along the route. The navigation apparatus is further configured to superimpose, on the displayed route, the moving arrow which includes an arrowhead and a line between the arrowhead and the present position, such that the arrowhead moves from the start point to the end point along the route when a distance to a nearest guidance point is smaller than a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Sawaki, Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7639163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Tran
  • Publication number: 20090309764
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 7630832
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Hyun Kim, Young In Kim
  • Patent number: 7623964
    Abstract: A navigation system includes: an intersection enlargement creation unit that creates based upon map data an intersection enlargement over a predetermined map range around a target guidance-requiring intersection present on a recommended route, at which a turn should be made; an intersection enlargement display unit that displays at a display monitor the intersection enlargement having been created by the intersection enlargement creation unit; and a mark display unit that displays an indicator mark indicating an advancing path shape at a next guidance-requiring intersection immediately beyond the target guidance-requiring intersection over the intersection enlargement on display at the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Xanavi Informatics Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Morita, Yuko Hamada, Kazuhiro Toma, Shoji Kijima, Hitoshi Koseki, Takahiko Tada
  • Patent number: 7606664
    Abstract: A guidance information system includes: a portable device including an image pickup section and functioning to decode coded-pattern information captured by the image pickup section; and a display that displays information indicative of a destination point according to the coding system of coded-pattern information for use in the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Yokozawa
  • Patent number: 7606662
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is provided with a destination input section, a travel route information section, a historical data input section and an expected travel time reporting section. The travel destination input section is provided for entering a destination point. The travel route information section provides at least one potential travel route to the destination point. The historical data input section provides historical time information based on a plurality of actual motorist travel times to navigate various travel routes. The expected travel time reporting section reports to a user an expected travel times based on the historical time information for a potential travel route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Tengler, Anthony Baehner
  • Patent number: 7603230
    Abstract: Guide points can be grasped by use of a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal comprises search condition transmitting means (KC16A) for transmitting data of route searching conditions to a server; searching result receiving means (KC1A) for receiving, from the server, route data produced by the server in accordance with the route searching conditions; map request information transmitting means (KC16B) for transmitting, to the server, map data transmission request information for requesting a transmission of map data; map data receiving means (KC1B) for receiving the map data transmitted from the server; route image producing means (KC7) for producing a route image based on a range in which to display on the information display screen (11) and based on the route data; and guide map image producing means (KC8) for producing a route guidance map image by combining, based on the map data, a map image and the route image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Navitime Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Suzuki, Shin Kikuchi, Keisuke Onishi
  • Patent number: 7584051
    Abstract: A navigation system for use in a subject vehicle for organizing a navigation instruction of a navigation route toward a destination in map data includes a closeness determination function for determining that a current position of the subject vehicle from the destination is a predetermined range, and a partial route audio navigation provision function for collectively providing the navigation instruction in an audible manner from the current position of the subject vehicle to the destination based on determination by the closeness determination function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kengo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7580795
    Abstract: A vehicular navigation system includes a vehicle having a global-positioning system receiver operable to receive signals from satellites external to the vehicle in order to establish its geographic position. A transceiver is operable to engage in a wireless communication with a remote service provider. The transceiver is operable to receive a wireless data transmission from the remote service provider of data derived from a database accessible to a remote operator associated with the remote service provider. A voice input device is used by the driver to talk with the remote operator to input to the remote operator a destination. Responsive to input of the destination, driving instructions from the then present geographical location of the vehicle to the destination are wirelessly downloaded to the vehicle, A display viewable to the driver displays turn-by-turn instructions to the destination during the road journey that are based on the downloaded directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7580780
    Abstract: A vehicle position detector in a vehicle on a road leading to a junction predictably evaluates road attributes for determining false map matching possibility before the vehicle actually reaches the junction. The evaluation is based on, for example, an attribute such as a direction of the road, an incline of the road or the like. The position of the vehicle in association with the traveling road in a map matching process is stochastically determined and is used for controlling the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru Sawaki
  • Patent number: 7546207
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating turn instructions on a turn-by-turn navigation system. The turn instructions can include a turn icon as well as visual and audio prompts. A countdown bar is typically embedded within the turn icon to provide upcoming turn information in intuitive graphic form, in order to reduce driver distraction. The turn-by-turn navigation system can generally be produced more economically than a typical premium system having a full complement of costly features, such as a color map display. Moreover, the turn-by-turn navigation system can be configured with only those features deemed most useful to a broad-based market segment, in order to further reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Andrew W. Gellatly
  • Patent number: 7546203
    Abstract: A route searching apparatus comprises a processing device that searches a guided route along which a vehicle is to be guided from a current vehicle position to a destination and also searches a detour route for detouring a detour segment set over part of the guided route. The processing device extracts guidance-requiring intersections at which the vehicle needs to be guided to follow a course among intersections on the guided route, sets a segment ending at a guidance-requiring intersection close to the current vehicle position among the guidance-requiring intersections as the detour segment, and searches the detour route for detouring the detour segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Xanavi Informatics Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7512483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Xanavi Informatics Corporation
    Inventors: Yoji Matsuoka, Teruyuki Ishida, Keisuke Mutou, Hiroaki Konda, Takashi Yoshimaru, Takaaki Ishii, Mami Nomura, Tsugumichi Owaki
  • Patent number: 7499801
    Abstract: In a vehicular navigation system, it is determined that a branching point is present along a guidance route within a given distance from a guidance intersection. It is then determined that approaching the branching point by using a natural exit lane results in entering a road that is not included in the guidance route, wherein the natural exit lane is included in an exit road exiting from the guidance intersection and exits naturally from the guidance intersection along the guidance route. Before entering the guidance intersection, it is suggested that a lane change be required after passing through the guidance intersection. Thus, in a case that a lane change is needed just after passing through the guidance intersection, a driver can respond with a sufficient time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naohiro Sakashita, Masanori Ohmi
  • Patent number: 7483785
    Abstract: A storage medium of a car navigation apparatus holds painted road sign information that is linked to a running lane of an approach road around an intersection. Suppose that a direction of an exit road with respect to an approach road at an intersection belongs to a peripheral portion of one of directional areas that are provided to determine at an intersection the approximate direction of the exit road with respect to the approach road. In this case, the approximate direction is specified based on the corresponding painted road sign information. The specified approximate direction is then outputted as a voice and/or image display. Thus, utilizing the painted road sign information can reduce user's disagreeable feeling to the approximate direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Suzuki, Naohiro Sakashita
  • Patent number: 7433783
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing the number of maneuvers presented in narrative driving directions for a route from an origin location to a destination location. Maneuvers are combined to reduce the number of maneuvers presented. Maneuvers may be combined based on a maneuver being associated with a highway interchange or maneuvers including a shared reference to a particular road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: AOL LLC
    Inventor: G. Duane Gearhart
  • Patent number: 7383127
    Abstract: In a communication-type navigation system for downloading map data according to the present invention, a reduction in the amount of map information to be transferred, correction of a position measured by a GPS, and delivery of advertisements are effected. In this system, a terminal 5 stores rough map data in advance. Then, when detailed map data is required, it is downloaded from a map data delivery center to the terminal 5. Further, together with the map data, GPS correction information is delivered to the terminal 5 from the map data delivery center 80. Still further, coupon information associated with an advertisement is displayed and an electronic mail on the coupon information is issued, by the map data delivery center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Xanavi Informatics Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Matsuo, Kimiyoshi Machii, Katsuaki Tanaka, Kozo Nakamura, Yoshinori Endo, Michio Morioka, Yoshitaka Sumitomo