Abstract: In a database usable for a navigation device, object data units comprising information for a three-dimensional displaying of objects like buildings are provided. At least one of the object data units comprises an adjustable height parameter for adjusting a height of the corresponding object when displayed.

Abstract: A database for a navigation system has digital elevation model data defining a three-dimensional surface. The database stores, for plural tiles of a tiling, a first array including three-dimensional coordinates of vertices of plural triangulated irregular networks, TINS, for the respective tile, and a plurality of second arrays. Each second array respectively defines triangular faces of a TIN and includes a plurality of vertex indices of the vertices to define triangular faces of the respective TIN. A method of outputting a three-dimensional representation of a terrain and a method of generating the database are also described.

Abstract: A navigation system has a database which stores index data for, respectively, a tile of a tiling. The index data includes, for each one of plural cells of a grid which is superimposed on the tile, respectively an identifier for each triangular face of a triangulated irregular network which at least partially overlaps with the respective cell. The plural cells of the grid are defined so as to cover the respective tile. A processing device of the navigation system is configured to use the index data to determine a triangular face on which a map feature having given lateral coordinates is located, in order to determine a height coordinate of the map feature.

Abstract: A navigation system determines one or more routes for a user from one location to another. The navigation system uses model data or information about weather, date, or time to determine an optimal route for a user. The navigation system may consider user preferences and dangerous or awkward conditions or criteria, and may perform a cost value analysis in determining the optimal route for a user.

Abstract: A system for performing a similarity search in a navigation device data base uses a metric index structure. The index structure includes a plurality of nodes. When a query object is received, a node of the index structure which is associated with at least one object is accessed. A distance between the query object and the at least one object is determined in accordance with a distance metric. Based on the determined distance, another node of the index structure is selectively accessed.

Abstract: A vision system comprises a camera that captures an image and a processor coupled to process the received image to determine at least one feature descriptor for the image. The processor includes an interface to access annotated map data that includes geo-referenced feature descriptors. The processor is configured to perform a matching procedure between the at least one feature descriptor determined for the at least one image and the retrieved geo-referenced feature descriptors.

Abstract: A method and device for providing cost information associated with intersections of a road network are provided. Driving data indicative of at least one condition of a vehicle upon passage of the vehicle through a plurality of intersections are retrieved. For each intersection of the plurality of intersections, a set of feature values associated with the respective intersections is determined based on map data. Parameters of an intersection cost module are adjusted. The intersection cost module is configured to provide a cost value in response to a set of feature values associated with an intersection. The parameters of the intersection cost module are adjusted based on the received driving data and the sets of feature values determined for the plurality of intersections. The intersection cost module may also be used for route searches.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing acceleration as a road segment characteristic in a vehicle are provided for determining information about a route including for example, the estimated fuel consumption of the route. An example of a system includes a data storage medium for storing map data having road segments, a bus interface to a data bus for receiving measured values of a velocity or an acceleration from a velocity or acceleration sensor, a position data receiver configured to receive position data for determining a current position, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to identify a road segment associated with the current position. The system controller retrieves parameters of a probability distribution of acceleration associated with the identified road segment from the data storage medium. Updated parameters of the probability distribution of acceleration are determined from the measured values of the velocity or acceleration.

Abstract: A driver assist system is provided that generates a video signal representing a vehicle environment outside a vehicle. At least one feature is extracted from the video signal. A reference is selected from a plurality of reference features stored as location attributes in a map database. The extracted feature is compared to at least one reference feature. An object in the vehicle environment is identified based on the comparison of the extracted feature and the reference feature. An indication is provided to a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the identified object. In one example, the system includes a video capturing device, an indicating device, a vehicle-based processing resource and access to a map database server. Processing tasks may be distributed among the vehicle-based processing resource and an external processing resource.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a propulsion-related operating parameter of a vehicle for a road segment, and for determining routes based on the estimate. The method may be employed, for example, in a vehicle navigation system. In one example method, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle is estimated for the road segment based on information corresponding to the road segment. The propulsion-related operating parameter is estimated for the road segment using the at least one estimated operating parameter and at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is determined by acquiring driving data to determine a plurality of vehicle operating parameters while the vehicle is in operation. At least two of the determined vehicle operating parameters are used in a predetermined relationship that includes the at least one vehicle specific parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to displaying traffic density information, from historical traffic density information after determining for which moment in time the traffic density information should be displayed and displaying the traffic density information on a display.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a traffic pattern for a road segment of navigation map data on the basis of time series traffic data is provided. Reference time series are determined for the road segment to use to approximate the time series traffic data. A weighted combination of the reference time series is determined by determining weighted coefficients that determine how much a predetermined reference time series contributes to the combination of the reference time series for approximating the time series traffic data. The time series traffic data is then approximated using the weighted combination of the reference time series. The determined weighting coefficients are then linked to the road segment of the navigation map data.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining an energy optimized route for a vehicle. In one example, the method includes providing a plurality of cost factors, each cost factor influencing the energy consumption of the vehicle. At least one cost factor is selected from among the cost factors. A composite cost factor is determined using the selected at least one cost factor. An energy optimized route is then determined based on the composite cost factor. Systems are also provided for determining an energy optimized route for a vehicle. An example system includes a set of cost factors, each cost factor influencing the energy consumption of the vehicle. A classification unit is included for selecting cost factors for the route and for including the selected cost factors in a composite cost factor for the route. A calculator is also included for calculating the energy optimized route based on the composite cost factor.

Abstract: In a straight and circular knitter, a control arrangement for supplying information upon needle selection on circulation knitting carriages includes a central control station provided with a main computer storing all information for controlling the knitting machine. Each knitting carriage is equipped with a control unit including an auxiliary computer, an end stage for operating the needles and a bus control circuit. The main computer is connected to respective circulating control units via a slide contact track and contact shoes coupled to respective auxiliary computers. The microprocessors in respective control units are interconnected by a bus including a transmitting line, a receiving and a bus control line. The bus control line forms with the bus control circuits and microcomputers of respective control units a closed loop which controls the transmission of error data to the main computer in the event that an error is detected in a control unit.