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: 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: Method and apparatus for simulating a multibody system on a computer. The invention provides for inputting into the computer a mathematical description of each body in the multibody system, specifying into the computer a force to act on one of the bodies, formulating a Jacobian matrix, solving kinematics constraints in the computer, graphically displaying a result of the solution of the kinematic constraints from the computer onto an electronic display, whereupon the user can interactively input a change to the multibody system into the computer and graphically display a result of the change to the multibody system from the computer.