Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing map data. The systems and methods calculate road curvature data for a curved road segment along a road based on measured data obtained from a measuring unit of a vehicle moving along the road. The systems and methods perform a map processing function on road map data for the road including the curved road segment based on the calculated road curvature data correlated with the global positioning data. The systems and methods include outputting result data resulting from the map processing function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a road layer position are provided. The method includes reading sensor information including at least one from among global navigation system (GNS) information, image sensor information, ambient light information and inertial measurement sensor information, and determining a road layer position of a vehicle from among a plurality of road layers corresponding to a location of the vehicle based on the sensor information.

Abstract: A driver assistance method includes determining, with a horizon provider module, a first path comprising a first road segment and a second road segment based on a position of a vehicle and a predetermined horizon distance. A second path comprising the first road segment and a third road segment is determined based on the position of the vehicle and the predetermined horizon distance. Path data characterizing the first path, the second path, a position of the vehicle relative to the first path, and a position of the vehicle relative to the second path is then transmitted to a reconstructor module.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently updating the map database in a mobile computing system, such as a vehicle navigation system. The system includes a central server that computes changes between the latest version of a master map database and a previous version of the map database, and wirelessly transmits the changes to participating vehicles' onboard navigation systems. The navigation system stores the changes in a look-aside buffer, and a navigation processor uses the stored changes to update a base map database.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system adapted for use with a vehicle, and a method of modifying a first warning assessment algorithm of the system to reduce false alerts caused by overpasses, and maintain sufficient warning distances are presented, wherein the system includes at least one sensor operable to detect an object location, a locator device operable to determine the current position coordinates of the vehicle, a map database presenting a plurality of overpass locations ahead of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit operable to execute a second algorithm, if the detected object location generally matches an overpass location, and in a preferred embodiment, a third algorithm, if the detected location does not match an overpass location, such that the third algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the second, and the second algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the first.

Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that uses phonetic letter families, or groups of letters which sound similar, to improve the reliability and accuracy of speech recognition. The method involves grouping each letter of the English alphabet into a family of letters which sound similar, such as A, J, and K. When a destination name is spelled by a user, each letter is recognized in terms of the phonetic letter family to which it belongs. This phonetic equivalent spelling is compared to the navigation database of street, city, and state names, which has also been converted to its phonetic equivalent spelling. If a match is found, the user is asked to confirm that this is the desired destination.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently updating the map database in a mobile computing system, such as a vehicle navigation system. The system includes a central server that computes changes between the latest version of a master map database and a previous version of the map database, and wirelessly transmits the changes to participating vehicles' onboard navigation systems. The navigation system stores the changes in a look-aside buffer, and a navigation processor uses the stored changes to update a base map database.

Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that uses phonetic letter families, or groups of letters which sound similar, to improve the reliability and accuracy of speech recognition. The method involves grouping each letter of the English alphabet into a family of letters which sound similar, such as A, J, and K. When a destination name is spelled by a user, each letter is recognized in terms of the phonetic letter family to which it belongs. This phonetic equivalent spelling is compared to the navigation database of street, city, and state names, which has also been converted to its phonetic equivalent spelling. If a match is found, the user is asked to confirm that this is the desired destination.

Abstract: A method for classifying a road surface condition by estimating the maximum tire/road surface coefficient of friction and actively inducing acceleration or deceleration. In one embodiment, the induced acceleration/deceleration is provided by applying torque to the driven wheels of the vehicle. The speeds of the driven and non-driven wheels are measured. The tire/road surface coefficient of friction and the driven wheel slip ratio are calculated from the wheel speeds. The tire/road surface coefficient of friction and the wheel slip ratio are used to determine the slope of the wheel slip/coefficient of friction curve, which is used to classify the road surface condition.

Abstract: A navigation system (10) adapted for use with a vehicle (12) having an operator (14) includes a map database (16) presenting a current vehicle path, a locator device (20) communicatively coupled to the database (16) and configured to determine the location of the vehicle (12) and to associate the location with a position point within the database (16). The system (10) further includes an improved indicator (34) configured to predictively communicate an upcoming condition to the operator (14), determine a time-dependent-variable condition, compare a current condition of the vehicle (12) to the upcoming condition, and alert the operator (14) to a non-compliant comparison. The system (10) is further configured to receive preferences from the operator (14) and vehicle (12), so as to present a modifiable mode of operation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring vehicle speed is provided. The method includes receiving a current speed of a vehicle and a current speed limit associated with a current location of the vehicle. A current speed range is calculated by comparing the current speed of the vehicle to the current speed limit. Operator alert preferences including a caution range and a warning range are accessed. An alert responsive to the current speed range and to the operator alert preferences is communicated to the operator of the vehicle. The alert includes one or more caution attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is within the caution range. The alert includes one or more warning attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is within the warning range. The alert includes one or more at speed attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is not within the caution range or the warning range.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system adapted for use with a vehicle, and a method of modifying a first warning assessment algorithm of the system to reduce false alerts caused by overpasses, and maintain sufficient warning distances are presented, wherein the system includes at least one sensor operable to detect an object location, a locator device operable to determine the current position coordinates of the vehicle, a map database presenting a plurality of overpass locations ahead of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit operable to execute a second algorithm, if the detected object location generally matches an overpass location, and in a preferred embodiment, a third algorithm, if the detected location does not match an overpass location, such that the third algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the second, and the second algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the first.

Abstract: A method of assisting a driver to negotiate a roadway by identifying a curve from a map database (12); calculating an estimated negotiable speed for the curve (14); advising the driver of the upcoming curve (16); warning the driver if he attempts to negotiate the curve at a speed that is greater than the estimated negotiable speed (18); and controlling the vehicle (10) in order to attempt to safely negotiate the curve (20). When the curve is identified in advance rather in real-time, identification of the curve, and possibly one or more characteristics of the curve as well as the estimated negotiable speed, may be stored for subsequent access and use (22). Furthermore, the advisory, warning, and control behaviors may be varied based on pre-established or determined conditions (24). Additionally, the actual vehicle state as it pertains to entering and exiting the curve may be determined (26).