Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for integrating road names recorded in a source data, particularly comprising steps of merging all interconnected segments having this road name into a user road group and merging these user road groups if they belongs to the same physical road entity. The present invention also relates to a method for integrating points of interest recorded in a source data, particularly comprising steps of, beginning from node with highest priority in the tree to the other nodes one at a time, finding nodes with same point of interest to redirect all child links of lower priority node to higher priority node among the same point of interest nodes and delete link between the same point of interest nodes; creating geometry relationship based on above new arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, processors and computer readable media for determining a suggested route having an estimated minimum fuel usage for a vehicle based on a estimated fuel efficiency for the vehicle for different speeds of the vehicle and based on estimated speeds for the route. The estimated fuel efficiency for the vehicle is based on aggregated data for the vehicle. Alternatively, the estimated fuel efficiency is based on actual data for the vehicle. In some embodiments, suggested routes are constrained by user route preferences, and real-time route information. Alternatively or additionally, the estimated fuel usage is based on actual driver behavior data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of generating a curved baseline for a map labeling include receiving a polyline P={p1,p2, . . . ,pn} of n points, generating a supporting polyline Q={q1,q2, . . . , qm} (m?n) of m points at an expected distance d between polyline P and a curved base line L. A predetermined number of B-Spline points is generated based upon supporting polyline Q. The B-Spline points are then connected to form a curved baseline L for displaying a label.

Abstract: A navigation system includes an operator interface module (OIM) including a display and keypad. A computer module (computer module) includes a CPU, map database and the motion and position sensors. A docking station is fixedly mounted in each of a plurality of vehicles. The docking station includes an electrical connector connected to the vehicle power supply and an electrical connector connected to a GPS antenna and an electrical connector connected to a display extension harness. The computer module and OIM are transportable among each of the vehicles. The computer module slides into the docking station and simultaneously makes electrical contact with the vehicle power supply, GPS antenna and display extension harness. The OIM is connected to the display extension harness, thereby connecting the OIM to the computer module. The OIM and computer module are thus transportable among multiple vehicles having the appropriate docking station.

Abstract: A navigation device and a method for calculating estimated total time requirement of navigation-planned routes with enhanced prediction accuracy includes: a map database for pre-defining calculation parameter and properties of feasible road information and traffic signs along the routes; a configuration module for entering coordinates of indication points determined as a destination where a vehicle reaches; a route planning module for receiving satellite signals of global positioning system, searching the map database for the coordinate of the indication point determined as a departure place and defined by the satellite signals received by a satellite positioning system, and planning simulated routes between the indication point determined as the departure place and the indication point as the destination place; and a process module for calculating traveling time according to properties of the feasible road information of the planned simulated routes and total stopping time according to the calculation parame

Abstract: A vibration-proof holder applicable to a communications/navigation device for vehicle use is provided, characterized by the use of a gap-detecting unit to detect position variations of the communications/navigation device, and an electromagnetic control unit to adjust magnetic intensity of magnetic bodies fixedly installed in the vehicle, wherein first and second magnetic bodies are limited to remain in the same track and to face one another with the same magnetic polar end thereof, such that the communications/navigation device can return to its initial position to achieve the vibration-proof effect.

Abstract: A navigational direction-indicating device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS), a display unit, an activation control unit, a navigation software for generating a direction guidance instruction according to positioning signals received by the GPS, and a plurality of light emitting elements arranged proximate to the display unit. After the navigation software generates the direction guidance instruction, the activation control unit generates activation signals according to the direction guidance instruction and corresponding to the light emitting elements, respectively, so as for a corresponding one of the light emitting elements to emit light, thereby allowing a user to receive the guidance instruction efficiently.

Abstract: A data auto backup system and method is proposed, applicable in a computer system connected with an external storage device for backing up data of the external storage device to the computer system during a power-off state of the computer system. The computer system includes a bus interface, a storage module, an input/output interface, and a power module. The data auto backup system includes: an input unit for inputting a predefined signal; a memory unit for storing a backup program; a detection unit for detecting whether the external storage device is connected with the bus interface and generating a corresponding signal; a processing unit for receiving and processing the corresponding signal so as to generate a first driving signal, and executing the backup program according to the predefined signal so as to generate a second driving signal; and a control unit for receiving the first and second driving signals.

Abstract: A power control system and method receives and filters a valid GPS signal received by a navigation device and outputs a corresponding performance parameter for the GPS signal, and upon determining that a power management signal is a power-off management signal, determines whether the performance parameter exceeds a predetermined first threshold. If the performance parameter exceeds the predetermined first threshold, a processing module is managed to send a GPS power-on signal that allows power to be provided to a GPS module in the navigation device. Alternatively, if the power management signal is not a power-off management signal, the performance parameter is determined whether it is smaller than a predetermined second threshold value. If the performance parameter is smaller, the processing module is managed to send sends a GPS power-off signal that allows the power provided to the GPS module to be cut off, thereby reducing power consumption of the navigation device.

Abstract: An over-heat protecting circuit and a system circuit board thereof are disclosed. The over-heat protecting circuit receives a voltage-detecting signal, a control signal, and an over-heat signal, and comprises a first logic circuit, a memory circuit, and a second logic circuit. The first logic circuit receives and processes the voltage-detecting signal and the over-heat signal to output a first logic signal. The memory circuit receives and processes the first logic signal and the control signal to output a latching signal. The second logic circuit receives and processes the latching signal and the control signal to output a power-control signal. Eventually, the power supplier stops outputting an operating voltage according to the power-control signal.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating an alternate route for a system to travel to a predetermined destination are described. The method comprises determining a velocity of a system traveling along a primary route; and generating an alternate route to the primary route if the system velocity is below a predetermined motion threshold. A navigation system for generating an alternate route to a destination includes a motion sensor for detecting the navigation system velocity along a primary route and a controller coupled with the motion sensor. The controller receives a motion signal indicating navigation system motion and generates an alternate route to the primary route responsive to the motion signal indicating navigation system motion different from a predetermined motion threshold value.

Abstract: An off-board navigation system includes a remote unit and a supply location. In operation, a navigation system user requests a desired route to a destination. Capability information relating to the user's CPU and storage device capacities are also preferably provided to the supply location. Using the extensive database available at the supply location, the supply location calculates a recommended route to the desired destination in relation to the desired POIs. If the estimated size of the requested route meets the capabilities of the remote unit the supply location creates a filter using the requested parameters and applied to the extensive database at the supply location. In one embodiment, the filtered map area includes a width vector W defined substantially perpendicular to the recommended route R. In another embodiment, the filtered map area is defined in relation to a plurality of nodes N along the recommended route R. A perimeter P is defined around each node N along the recommended route R.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic device includes a cantilever rack, amounting seat, and a connecting device. The cantilever rack includes a support arm and a suction member. The mounting seat is adapted for mounting the electronic device. The connecting device includes a spherical pivot member disposed on the support arm, and a rotatable unit. The rotatable unit includes a holder disposed fixedly on the mounting seat, and a controlling member connected removably to the holder. The holder defines an engaging space for receiving the spherical pivot member. The controlling member is operable to switch the connecting device between a loose fitting state and a tight fitting state.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic white balance control system, an automatic white balance module, and a method thereof. The automatic white balance (AWB) control system calculates a distance value from a coordinate related to the image to a reference point in a color space coordinate system for each image. If the median or mean of the distance values is greater than a threshold value, an automatic white balance operation will be performed. The system dynamically adjusts the threshold value to prevent a blinking caused by the automatic white balance. The white balance module selects an image block of a higher image sharpness to perform a gain adjustment to prevent a monochromatic block from misjudging a white balance gain.

Abstract: A portable multimedia device capable of remotely controlling and receiving TV signals transmitted from a display device using a wireless transmission function thereof is disclosed. The portable multimedia device includes of: a transmission interface, a display unit, a page-dividing unit and a selecting unit. The page-dividing unit allows the user to set the number of the desired channels for preview, and further divides the picture shown on the display unit into a plurality of sub-pictures. The selecting unit allows the user to select the desired channels according to the plurality of sub-pictures, and further displays the desired channels on the display device or the display unit, thereby providing at least two different channels thereon for users' preview and view as desired.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a portable electronic device for automatically switching a loudspeaker output, wherein the portable electronic device includes at least a switch unit, a communication unit, a loudspeaker unit and a navigation unit. While reading an activation signal outputted from the navigation unit and an incoming phone call signal from the communication unit, the switch unit connects the loudspeaker unit to the communication unit, and then proceeds to later processes of receiving phone call, so that users do not have to operate manually on the portable electronic device, the loudspeaker unit is capable of automatically outputting the incoming phone ring and communication voice.

Abstract: This invention provides a fingerprint authentication mechanism for accessing the wireless network system that is applicable to a wireless network communications apparatus, the mechanism including the steps of inputting data of users' fingerprints and converting the same into matrix data compliant with wireless network authentication bit ciphers; setting thresholds for pattern identification with respect to the matrix data as an authentication basis for determining if the user has access rights to the network system upon receipt of a request signal for network connection sent from a user end; and analyzing if the captured fingerprint of the user matches with the preset authentication data to determine if the wireless network communications apparatus is to be started for network connection, thereby increasing the quality, usability and safety of the wireless network connection to achieve an easier scheme of information security management.

Abstract: A software system architecture and an application program processing method is disclosed involving placing application programs on an application program layer, using a compiler program provided on a compiler program layer to compile the application programs to generate compiled code, using a process program provided on a process layer to generate hardware control signals to control a hardware unit provided on the hardware layer in accordance with the compiled code, so as to enable the hardware unit to execute corresponding processes. By such a system and method, the software system architecture is simplified and the system operation efficiency of an electronic device adopting the software system architecture is greatly improved. Specifically, through the use of the present invention, Java application programs are executed without directly using the operating system of a platform, thus improving the operating efficiency of a system adopting the system architecture and providing more system stability.

Abstract: A data auto backup system and method is proposed, applicable in a computer system connected with an external storage device for backing up data of the external storage device to the computer system during a power-off state of the computer system. The computer system includes a bus interface, a storage module, an input/output interface, and a power module. The data auto backup system includes: an input unit for inputting a predefined signal; a memory unit for storing a backup program; a detection unit for detecting whether the external storage device is connected with the bus interface and generating a corresponding signal; a processing unit for receiving and processing the corresponding signal so as to generate a first driving signal, and executing the backup program according to the predefined signal so as to generate a second driving signal; and a control unit for receiving the first and second driving signals.