Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: selecting a category of interest; receiving available information for the category of interest; and extrapolating a relative ranking based on the available information for displaying at a device.

Abstract: To obtain point of interest information in a vicinity of a vehicle, the vehicle selects a reference point away from the current location of the vehicle. A region is formed, including the current location of the vehicle, based on the reference point. Points of interest falling within the region are communicated to the vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource (202) arranged to support an operating environment and a route follower (256) supported by the operating environment and arranged to monitor progression, when in use, along a route to be followed. The apparatus also comprises an instruction generator (260) supported by the operating environment and arranged to determine an identity of a location in advance of the location being reached where a manoeuvre has to be executed in order to continue following the route, and to generate manoeuvre data in relation to the manoeuvre. The apparatus further comprises a voice command generator (266) supported by the operating environment and arranged to obtain the manoeuvre data and to generate in response to the manoeuvre data voice instruction data for reproduction by a loudspeaker (276) as an audible voice instruction. The manoeuvre data comprises route manoeuvre instruction component data and supplementary descriptive instruction component data.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a device that stores a novel navigation application. The application in some embodiments includes a user interface (UI) that has a display area for displaying a two-dimensional (2D) navigation presentation or a three-dimensional (3D) navigation presentation. The UI includes a selectable 3D control for directing the program to transition between the 2D and 3D presentations.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of informing a user of a POI (point of interest) having a boundary, the method comprising providing information relating to the POI, while the user is outside the boundary and, when the user is inside the boundary, providing information to the user relating to positions of sub POIs inside the boundary. Preferably, when the user is inside the boundary, no information relating to POIs outside the boundary is provided, and when the user is outside the boundary, no information relating to sub POIs is provided.

Abstract: A privacy enhancement device for electronic device such as a cellular telephone. The privacy enhancement device may include a jammer which may produces false information, e.g. false information indicative of pseudo ranges. In addition, the navigation information used on the position detecting device may be locally stored versions of dynamically changing information. The navigation operation may be carried out using a Web service.

Abstract: A method and device for streamlining navigation from a point to a visual point of interest by combining the necessary items into a single device incorporating an optical finder such as binoculars which incorporates an optical display into the viewfinder, a rangefinder, GPS, compass, altimeter, inclinometer, microprocessor and memory. The device performs three functions: 1) acquires the POI's coordinates relative to the user by visual indication of the POI by the user; 2) reproduces an updated POI vector on demand; and 3) displays the POI vector information in the device viewfinder. All three functions happen seamlessly and instantaneously with the use of only one compact hand held device.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a display for displaying at least a part of a digital map. A landmark detected within the digital map is displayed as a three-dimensional graphical object or a two-dimensional graphical object depending on a location of the landmark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching polygon objects defined by polygon data in the map database of a navigation system when such polygon objects are not associated with any POIs. The method includes the steps of creating a data table which arranges information on the polygon objects in the map database based on polygon names, creating a data table which arranges information on the polygon objects in the map database based on polygon locations, prompting a user to specify a desired polygon object through a screen of the navigation system either by a polygon name or a polygon location, retrieving candidate polygon objects from the corresponding data tables that match inputs specified by the user and displaying a list of the retrieved polygon objects in a predetermined order, and allowing the user to finalize selection of the desired polygon object.

Abstract: A vehicular charging facility guidance device is provided. The guidance device includes a route setting unit that sets a route from a departure point of a vehicle to a destination, a map display unit that displays a map on a display device, and a route display unit that displays the route set by the route setting unit to be overlapped with the map displayed on the display device. The guidance device also includes a frame display unit that displays a frame to be overlapped with the route on the display device and a frame movement unit that moves a reference position of the frame displayed by the frame display unit along the route. The guidance devise further includes a charging facility guidance unit that provides information on a charging facility located within an area delimited by the frame on the map.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for identifying a serviceable address associated with a street network connection point and an actual location point. For example, in one embodiment, the serviceable address may be associated with a street network connection point that is part of a digital map. The serviceable address may also be associated with a parcel drop-off point that includes parcel drop-off point information, such as a parcel drop-off point geo coordinate associated with the parcel drop-off point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) for generating, from map data, a digital map for display to a user; a store (230) for said map data and data defining the location of points of interest on said digital map; and a display (240) for displaying said digital map to said user; characterised in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: a short-range radio transceiver (265) for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to computer systems that are each associated with a respective point of interest; and a wireless network control module (490) that is configured to energise said short-range radio transceiver (265) for the exchange of signals if a determined current location of said navigation device (200) is within wireless communications range of a point of interest. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Provided is a schema, repository, index, and APIs for any information, place, entity, attribute, service or person that can be referenced geographically. A system to provide real time image data includes an input component that receives image data associated with a specific geographic area, a splitter component that splits the image data into at least two quadrants, and a storage component that stores at least a portion of the at least two quadrants. Also provides is on-line or real-time advertising based on a user's mapped location and/or a user preference.

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: A trip planner is provided for creating, modifying, categorizing, and sharing online trip plans. A trip plan includes a list of items such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions selected from a travel guide or provided by a user. An item can have a street address for positioning the item on a map, an image and description of the item, and other metadata assigned by the user, such as tags and notes. The trip planner can generate an itinerary listing the items, and a corresponding map showing the locations of the items. A trip plan can be shared with other users, who can locate the trip plan by searching for the tags or other metadata.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a navigation route; generating an initial recommendation related to a search keyword for a point of interest upcoming along the navigation route; calculating an acquisition cost for the initial recommendation; and generating a message with the acquisition cost for the initial recommendation related to the point of interest and for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A method and system for targeting content (e.g., a service or an advertisement) according to location-based information derived from a mobile wireless transceiver device. Position information as a function of time is used to calculate a rate of travel and a direction of travel. This information can be used to identify a likely mode of transportation. Geographical information can be used to further refine the mode of transportation. Thus, in addition to the position of the wireless transceiver devices, factors such as the rate of travel, the direction of travel and the likely mode of transportation are also considered to more precisely identify the appropriate service. Moreover, a potential destination can be predicted, allowing further refinement of the targeted service.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for receiving route information associated with a route having an origination point and a destination point, determining a location of a reference point along the route, assigning a spatial identifier to the reference point, searching for points of interest (POIs) in a search area associated with the spatial identifier, ranking, using a processor, the POIs based on distances of POIs from the location of the reference point, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, wherein the POI information is associated with one or more POIs and selected based on the ranking of the POIs.

Abstract: A method is provided for navigation of a mobile device. Spatial information of at least one beacon detected in an image relative to the image is determined. The image includes an image of the at least one beacon within at least part of an environment surrounding the mobile device. A position of the mobile device based on said spatial information is determined using encoded visual information of the at least one beacon.

Abstract: Apparatuses and Methods of navigating from a current position to a destination location at a mobile device are provided. A navigation program is launched at the mobile device, and a selection of a calendar event from a calendar program is received, where the calendar event is an entry in the calendar program. A location associated with the received calendar event location is determined, and a destination location is determined based on the associated location. The navigation program generates navigation instructions (e.g., turn-by-turn directions, map information, etc.) from a current location of the mobile device to the destination location. In an alternative aspect, instead of a calendar program, the associated location can be retrieved from a given contact in a contact list or program.

Abstract: An example navigation system enables searching for an optimum route through a one-time route searching process where several destination or departure locations exist. The navigation system includes a point of interest (POI) attribute information database for accumulating POI attribute information, a network data edit unit and a virtual node setup unit. The navigation system determines whether there is a plurality of POIs in a certain departure location and/or a destination location by making reference to relevant data in the POI attribute information database. If there are several POIs, the virtual node setup unit sets up a virtual node connected to each node of the plurality of POIs through links having identical link cost. The network data edit unit then adds the virtual node to the searching network data, and a route search unit functions to search for routes using the searching network data containing the added virtual node.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the location where an image was captured. In general, a device such as a smartphone may capture one or more images from a location, such as images of buildings, street signs and the like, and a central system may compare the submitted images to images in an image library to identify matches. The location of the match may then be provided back to the smartphone.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing map information to a user. The map information corresponds to a field of view. In at least one embodiment, the navigation device includes an input device to receive an input for selecting a desired destination and a display device to display map information including a route to the desired destination, a ground level and at least one icon elevated above the ground level. The at least one icon represents an object within the field of view. In at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing map information to a user via a navigation device and corresponding to a field of view is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving at least one of an input and selection representing a desired destination and displaying map information including a route to the desired destination, a ground level and at least one icon elevated above the ground level. The at least one icon represents an object within the field of view.

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: An apparatus for providing navigational information associated with locations of objects includes an imaging device configured to acquire image data, a visual display coupled to the imaging device and configured to display the image data, a position measuring device configured to determine position information associated with the imaging device, and an orientation device configured to determine orientation information associated with the imaging device. The apparatus may also include a rendering system coupled to the visual display, the position measuring device, and the orientation device. The rendering system may be configured to determine image coordinates associated with a location of an object and provide a navigational graphic on the visual display oriented relative to the image coordinates.

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: Methods, devices, and systems for providing a location of an individual are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to concurrently provide a location of an individual at least two different points in time, a time identifier for each of the at least two different points in time, and an uncertainty associated with the location of the individual at each of the at least two different points in time to a user.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile terminal including a movement information acquisition section for acquiring movement information of a mobile terminal possessed by a user, a picked-up image acquisition section for acquiring a peripheral image of the mobile terminal, which is imaged by an imaging device, a transmission section for transmitting the movement information acquired by the movement information acquisition section to a server device which is connected to the mobile terminal via a network, a reception section for receiving community information which is generated by the server device based on a history of the movement information and which can be shared between the user possessing the mobile terminal and another user other than the user possessing the mobile terminal, and a display control section for displaying, on a display screen, a displayed image included in the community information in a superimposed manner on a peripheral image of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A set of user content items, such as a set of photographs or audio or video recordings, is used to identify recommended locations. Each item of user content in the set includes a geographical identifier and a time-stamp indicative of the location and time of origin of the item. The items of user content are placed in time-order, and a route is determined that links, in time-order, the locations identified by the geographical identifiers. A recommended location is then identified, from a database of recommended locations, that is located near the determined route but is not geographically coincident with the locations of any of the items of user content. Information for a map containing the route and an illustration of the identified location are sent to a terminal device for presentation to a user.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved mapping and navigational system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for defining and assigning geographical boundaries to points of interests on a graphical map, where the geographical boundaries preferably correlate to spatially defined boundaries of the respective points of interests. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the points of interest, along with the respective defined geographical boundaries, can be transferred from a personal computing device to a telecommunication device, such as a portable communication device, so as to be used for mapping purposes and to set off proximity alerts when the portable communication device, equipped with a GPS unit, enters or exits the geographical boundary of a particular point of interest.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for determining the relevance of points of interest for a user are described. An application server receives information about a user's location, and velocity, as well as other user preferences, and adjusts a search space and filters points of interest identifying those that are relevant to the user. The relevance of the points of interest are based on the user's route, location and velocity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering an address for a navigation system allows a user to easily and quickly select a key indicating the next character of the address. At the start of operation, the navigation system shows a full alpha-numeric keyboard. Once the next candidate characters are narrowed down to a certain degree, the navigation system shows a simplified keyboard with a limited number of keys on the monitor screen and highlights the next candidate characters on the simplified keyboard. The navigation system displays both the simplified keyboard and a street name list on the same screen. Since the keys of the limited number are arranged within a small space such as in the three-by-three manner, the user can easily point a cursor or other pointing device to the desired key.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining location offset information. A correction manager determines to present, at a device, a location-based display including one or more representations of one or more location-based features. Next, the correction manager receives an input for specifying offset information for at least one of the one or more representations with respect to the location-based display. Then, the correction manager determines to present the one or more representations in the location-based display based, at least in part, on the offset information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for delivering arrival guidance comprising of receiving inputs defining a destination point of interest (POI). The method includes determining whether the destination POI has a parent-child POI relationship with respect to a second POI. The method further includes outputting guidance at a predetermined distance from the destination POI, wherein the guidance comprises a notification concerning the parent-child relationship between the destination POI and the second POI.

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: A mobile phone (1) of the present invention includes a mobile phone storage section (8) configured to store both of (i) data including positional information and (ii) data including no positional information, a positional information extraction section (110) for identifying the data including the positional information from among the data stored in the mobile phone storage section (8) and extracting the positional information to be used as a standard for setting a predetermined area, a mobile phone determination section (111) for setting the predetermined area on a basis of the positional information extracted by the positional information extraction section (110), and a mobile phone notification section (112) notifying the user of the mobile phone when the current position of the mobile phone enters within the predetermined area set by the mobile phone determination section (111). Hence, the user can easily register the positional information.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an attribute of a point of interest 150 comprises associating a region 152 with the point of interest 150; and evaluating 148 the attribute according to a comparison of position data 154,156,158 of a plurality of users with position data defining the associated region.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer program and user interface wherein the method comprises: a controller configured to determine locations of interest within a predetermined distance of a first location; a display configured to simultaneously present a map, a first bounded area of the map and a list of the determined locations of interest within the first bounded area; a user input device configured to enable a user to make a user input, wherein; the controller is configured to detect a user input and, in response to the detection of the user input, control the display to present a second bounded area of the map and update the list of the determined locations of interest so that locations of interest within the second bounded area are presented in the list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting audio and/or multimedia descriptions of featured locations to a traveling user, so that descriptions are not replayed in repeated journeys in the same area. When descriptions along a certain route are exhausted in the course of repeated journeys, the user is offered an alternate route in order to visit additional featured locations that have not yet been presented to the user.

Abstract: A method, a mobile device, and a computer-readable medium for displaying surrounding points of interest (POIs), adapted to a mobile device, are provided. In the present method, at least one keyword is received and set as a searching condition for searching POIs. When the mobile device obtains new current location information of the mobile device, a POI database is queried to find surrounding POIs of the current location that fit the searching condition. Finally, the searched POIs are updated and displayed.

Abstract: A method for displaying time information and a display apparatus are provided. According to the method, a map image divided by a plurality of grids may be displayed and one of the grids on the displayed map image may be selected. Further, information about display target areas may be displayed when there are more than two display target areas in the selected grid and one of the information-displayed display target areas is selected. Furthermore, time information of the selected display target area may be displayed.

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: 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, generating a list of points of interest (POIs) when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the list of POIs identifying POIs that are located along the route, grouping the POIs into one or more buckets based on location, calculating POI densities of the buckets based on the POIs included in each corresponding bucket, ranking the buckets based on the POI densities, providing POI information associated with the POIs included in the ranked buckets, wherein the POI information is provided based on the ranking of the buckets, and generating an electronic map display with the POI information.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A computer-implemented navigation method for identifying one or more points of interest (POI) in a geographic location includes calculating a navigation route and receiving a reference point input. The reference point input may be unrelated to the navigation route and usable for identifying one or more POIs. The method further includes receiving one or more search parameters for searching for one or more POIs with respect to the reference point and identifying the one or more POIs based on the search parameters and reference point. The method also includes presenting the one or more POIs on a vehicle computer display.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus has a road learning function. When a new road is learned and a new road link is connected to one of a map road link present in a ready-made map data and a previously-learned road link, the navigation apparatus designates the one of the map road link and the learned road link as a base link and generates a supplement link that extends along the base link from a base-link-side end point of the new road link to an end point of the base link. The navigation apparatus specifies an entrance link and an exit link connected to a process target point on the guidance route, and determines content of the route guidance by using the base link corresponding to the supplement link when the entrance link or the exit link is the supplement link.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

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 proximity search engine for carrying out a proximity search with respect to a reference location uses as a reference frame the earth divided into tiles, which are predefined geographic regions of substantially equal areas. Records that are searched based on proximity to a reference location include location pointers, each of which identifies a particular tile that encompasses the physical location indicated by the corresponding record. When the proximity search is carried out, the tiles that are within a specified distance from the reference location are obtained and records having location pointers corresponding to such tiles are selected for inclusion in the search results.

Abstract: A facility searching technique easier to operate and having high degree of freedom. A facility searching device is constructed from a database on map information, a database relating to various kinds of facilities and including positional information of the facilities, a display unit for displaying, based on the map information, a map of a predetermined area, a pointing device for inputting a position located on the displayed map, a voice input unit for inputting by voice an instruction relating to search for facilities, and unit (25, 29, 30, 31) for performing the search for facilities upon receiving the input of a position or the input of an instruction (steps 21-22, 24, 26, 27, 28), the search being based on the inputted position and the instruction.