Abstract: A method and system for using Bezier curves in vehicle positioning and electronic horizon applications for providing data to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications are disclosed. The Bezier curves are obtained from B-splines. The obtained Bezier curves are subdivided in a manner that allows the vehicle positioning application to derive a polyline representation in real time. Using the Bezier and polyline geometry, the vehicle positioning application provides a vehicle position approximation to the ADAS applications. Using the Bezier curves, the electronic horizon application provides curvature, slope, and heading profiles to the ADAS applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile device is operable to predict a future location of the mobile device by analyzing a memory for indicators of the future location and identifying a predicted location of the mobile device using the indicators. The mobile device is further operable to request or download geographic data corresponding to the predicted location of the mobile device. Some embodiments may provide for the recognition of a preferred network to allow the download of the geographic data from a server.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile device generates sensor data configured to describe a geographic position of a mobile device. A list of events is defined according to position data and time data. The geographic position of the mobile device is compared to positions in the list of events of interest and a current time is compared to time data in the list of events of interest. The comparison determines whether events in the list are in range of the mobile device. One or more nearby events in range of the mobile device at the current time or a future time are selected. A command is generated to capture an image of the nearby events using a camera coupled to the mobile device. The captured images may be used to update navigation or map database, provide community or weather data to other users, social media functions, or other features.

Abstract: In one embodiment, range data is combined with an image in order to create a stereo image from the single collected image. An apparatus receives image data associated with a geographic location and range data associated with the geographic location. The range data may be a point cloud. At least one perspective image is formed based on the image data and the range data. The perspective image has a viewpoint different than single collected image. The apparatus generates a stereo image from the at least one perspective image. The stereo image appears to have depth. The at least one perspective image may include two images, each offset by a distance to estimate eye separation.

Abstract: An approach is provided for complementing various devices and/or instruments by utilizing augmented reality and providing an adaptive user interface to a user at a user device. A user device determines one or more information items associated with at least one instrument panel of at least one vehicle. Then the user device determines one or more representations of the one or more information items and causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more information items at the user device, wherein the user device may complement and/or may be substituted for the at least one instrument panel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for generating and/or using a multi-layered image are disclosed. For example, a method of creating a multi-layered image from a three-dimensional model of a geographic area includes receiving three-dimensional graphical object data that represents a geographic area. The three-dimensional graphical object includes multiple geographic features. A first graphical layer of a first geographic feature of the three-dimensional graphical object is rendered as a first independent image layer. A second graphical layer of a second geographic feature of the three-dimensional graphical object is rendered as a second independent image layer. The first graphical layer and the second graphical layer are combined or overlaid to form the multi-layered image. Also, removal of layers may occur in a reverse order of their creation and/or may avoid causing gaps within the other layers not removed.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for organizing spatial data are disclosed. For example, a method includes receiving a location data point from a navigation device. A controller compares the distance from each of a plurality of data points to the location data point. In constructing a depthmap that associates each of the data points with the distance from the location data point, the controller assign data points within a minimum distance from the location data point into a first cell and data points greater than the minimum distance from the location data point into a second cell. The second cell is larger than the first cell and corresponds to a larger geographic area than the first cell. The depthmap may be configured to position points of interest in a panoramic or street level view image.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and using open sky data is described. A vehicle equipped with a range-finding device travels on a road network in a geographic region. The range-finding device transmits a pulse at a given position and obtains range data associated with the position. The system uses the range data to generate data representing visibility of open sky at the given position and at other positions along the road network. For example, the system may determine transmission angles of pulses transmitted at positions that did not encounter a physical object and then use the determined transmission angles to generate data representing visibility of open sky at these positions. The system then stores the data representing the visibility of open sky. The system then associates the data representing the visibility of open sky with data representing physical features.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile device or a network device is configured to identify when a transit vehicle deviates from a transit path. The mobile device is configured to perform a positioning technique to generate data indicative of the location of a mobile device. Based on the location of the mobile device, a path is identified. The path is associated with an estimated path width based on the classification of the path and/or the accuracy of the positioning technique. A target route is calculated using the estimated path width. As the transit vehicle travels, the target route is compared to the location of the mobile device. If the mobile device and or transit vehicle deviates from the target route, a message is generated. The message may indicate that the transit vehicle is being re-routed and/or recommends the computation of a new path.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system detects when vehicle bunching is about to occur or is already occurring within a given transit system. The system resolves the bunching using an event and tone based system which regulates the arrival and departure times of vehicles at vehicle stops. Also, an embodiment includes a method for receiving location information for a plurality of vehicles along a route, determining a relative distance between a first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles and at least a second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles as a function of the received location information, and generating an action signal for at least one of the plurality of vehicles located on the route, wherein the action signal is in response to the determined relative distance.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus and article of manufacture is provided for displaying traffic flow data on a graphical map of a road system. The graphical map includes one or more segments and the traffic flow data represents traffic conditions on a road system. A status of each segment on the graphical map is determined, wherein the status corresponds to the traffic flow data associated with that segment. An animated traffic flow map of the road system is then created by combining the graphical map and the status of each segment. The animated traffic flow map is created by being continuously rendered in real time. The traffic flow data is updated in real-time, and the traffic flow map immediately reflects the updated traffic data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection without traffic signals and without a sufficient merge lane. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where roads meet without a traffic signal and without a sufficient merge lane. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location of the insufficient merge lane. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location of an insufficient merge lane.

Abstract: A method and system for refreshing location code data is disclosed. The system includes a location code change system that receives map change data and location code change data. The location code change system processes the map change data, finds affected location codes, and updates the location code's information by manipulating the location code data or performing a geocoding operation. The updated location code data is stored in a location code system. The location code change system receives the location code change data from the location code system and provides information regarding the location code changes to a map change system, which facilitates map updates based on the location code changes.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining a request from a user for an access to at least one user group. The at least one user group is associated with at least one reference location. Consequently, the point of interest platform determines location information associated with the user and/or the device associated with the user. Subsequently, the point of interest platform causes, at least in part, a granting of the access to the user group if the location information indicates that the user and/or the device associated with the user is within a predetermined proximity of the reference location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, a curved portion of a road where the curvature increases between adjacent curved sections. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where curvature between adjacent curved sections increases. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location where curvature increases. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location where the curvature increases.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for determining geographic features corresponding to a travel path to develop a map database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method comprises emitting light from a light source, such as a LIDAR device, while on the travel path. Returning light is received based on the emitted light. The returning light is used to generate data points representing an area about the travel path. The data points are filtered as a function of a return intensity value to identify a feature associated with the travel path, in which the feature is treated with a retroreflective substance.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for detecting geographic features in images, such as, for example, to develop a navigation database are disclosed. For example, a method of detecting text from collected images includes collecting a plurality of images of geographic areas along a road or path. An image of the plurality of images is selected. Components that represent a feature about the road or path in the selected image are determined. In one embodiment, the components are independent or invariant to scale of the feature. The determined components are compared to reference components in a data library. If the determined components substantially match with the reference components, the feature in the selected image is identified to be a text character (e.g., of a road sign) corresponding to at least some of the reference components in the data library.

Abstract: A method and system for creating geometry for ADAS are described. Link chains, which are a sequence of segments, are created. The link chains are used to create 2D splines. The link chains, the 2D splines, and height data are used to create 3D splines. The 3D splines and possibly the 2D splines are converted to Bezier curves, which can be used to create a 2D polyline. ADAS applications can use the Bezier curves and the 2D polylines to provide ADAS functions.

Abstract: A method and system for determining energy efficient routes is described. Map data represents road segments. Energy consumption data is obtained while a vehicle travels on a first road segment. Energy consumption data associated with the first road segment can be used to predict the expected energy consumption when traveling on a second road segment that has similar physical attributes to those of the first road segment. The predicted energy consumption data may be used to determine whether the second road segment is part of a most energy efficient route.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently storing, retrieving, and updating binary large objects (BLOBs) in embedded systems is disclosed. The metadata of the BLOBs is stored in relational tables, while the BLOBs are stored in a flat file. Querying the metadata of the BLOBs (i.e. the starting points of the BLOBs and their length) is performed based on SQL. The corresponding BLOBs are then accessed using file operation commands. To further simplify the querying and storage of BLOBs, virtual tables are created. By using these virtual tables, a user can access a BLOB as if it was stored in a physical table.