Abstract: A system and method for placing reference locators on a streaming video image taken from a camera mounted on a vehicle. Sensors monitoring the camera field of view and direction of the optical axis along with sensors monitoring the vehicle's position are used to generate a video overlay having various indicia. The calculated positions of the indicia may be compared to the position of landmarks taken from the video image to compensate for any inaccuracies in the calculated position taken from the various sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for automobile safety in the field of automobile safety, which addresses the problems existing in the prior art that the conventional automobiles tend to be stolen and have a low safety. The device for automobile safety includes an RF antenna (JP1), an RFID module, a GSM unit, a data processing unit (U1), a control unit (U2) and automobile circuits. The device for automobile safety of the invention has numerous benefits, for example an improved theft-proof property and warnings against driving at fatigue and/or beyond the speed limit.

Abstract: A car control system is disclosed. The car control system for controlling a car by being linked with a car control device (electronic control unit, ECU) that is installed inside the car for electronic control of the car can include: an authentication server configured to perform access authentication for a user terminal and configured to generate an authentication result based on least one of terminal information of the user terminal and vehicle identification information; and a car access device configured to be directly connected with the car control device through an internal network of the car and configured to determine whether a car control request for control of the car by the user terminal is to be relayed to the car control device according to the authentication result of the user terminal.

Abstract: A system for providing location information of a vehicle includes a communications interface and a correlation logic that correlates location information of a communications device to location of the vehicle. The communications interface communicates electronic signals including: a first signal including data representing a request for the location of the vehicle, a second signal transmitted to a location information provider corresponding to a party or device other than the communications device including data representing a request for location information of the communications device, a third signal received from the location information provider corresponding to the party or device other than the communications device including data representing the location information of the communications device, and a fourth signal including data representing the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a vehicle. The method includes the steps of establishing a first wireless connection between a first portable wireless device and a vehicle communications system thereby creating a data transfer network between the first portable wireless device and the vehicle communications system, monitoring, by the vehicle communications system, at least one sensor for a specific vehicle activity, and if the specific vehicle activity occurs, sending a notification via the wireless connection from the vehicle communications system to the first portable wireless device via the data transfer network.

Abstract: A system for dynamically collecting and distributing maritime data includes a vessel configured to transmit at a predetermined time, or upon electronic inquiry, a signal representative of a current location of the vessel or an expected location of the vessel; a computer network including one or more databases, each of which includes one or more zone of concern data, wherein the zone of concern data corresponds to a zone of concern; and a service provider configured to receive the signal, retrieve the one or more zone of concern data from the computer network based upon the signal and transmit the one or more zone of concern data to the vessel. The zone of concern data, which may be continually changing, may be sent from the service provider to the vessel on a continuous basis with respect to the changing location and heading of the vessel.

Abstract: A personal vehicle security device attaches to a personal vehicle secured to a rigid structure using a security cable. The security device includes a housing securely attached to the personal vehicle. The housing has apertures for receiving security cable. Within the housing are one or more sensors for sensing the electrical continuity of the cable, movement of the security device, and location of the security device. A memory device within the housing stores a unique identification number (UIN) associated with the security device. The security device also includes a controller for receiving signals from the one or more sensors and generating an alert message based on an event indicated by the one or more sensors. The alert message includes the UIN and information regarding the event. A wireless modem within the security device housing transmits the alert message from the security device to a wireless network.

Abstract: Methods of locating a vehicle are disclosed. Location coordinates are received at regular intervals via a handheld locator device for the current location of the handheld locator device. The handheld locator device detects the cessation of the presence of the vehicle. The location coordinates last-received before the detection of the cessation of the presence of the vehicle are stored automatically, and represent the approximate location of the parked vehicle when the cessation of the presence of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A system is described for monitoring the geographical location of a subscriber's mobile cellular telephone, and for providing the location information to an authorized user through the world wide web. The geographical location of the subscriber's mobile cellular telephone is tracked using registration signals transmitted over the control channel by the cellular telephone. This information is supplied to a geographical location coordinator system, which determines the geographical coordinates for the cellular telephone. A database stores the geographical location information along with a subscriber's telephone number and account code. The database is updated to track the movement of the cellular telephone user across a geographical area.

Abstract: An approach is provided for custom zooming of geographic representation. A custom zooming application determines an input specifying a level of zoom for rendering a geographic representation presented at a device, the geographic representation including a plurality of objects. The custom zooming application determines respective degrees of relevance of the plurality of objects based, at least in part, on the device, a user of the device, related context information, or a combination thereof. The custom zooming application determines to render one or more of the plurality of objects with at least one different level of visibility with respect to other ones of the plurality of objects based, at least in part, on the respective degrees of relevance, the level of zoom, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing routing information to a user are disclosed. Based on a request for routing information between an origin and destination for a travel objective, wireless coverage data for the geographic area associated with the travel objective is received. A graph model for determining routes between the origin and destination is adjusted based at least in part on the wireless coverage data. According to particular aspects of the present disclosure, the graph model can be adjusted based on the wireless coverage data and at least additional parameter such as estimated trip time, average speed, distance, favored routes or traffic information. User information can be optionally provided and used to emphasize or deemphasize wireless coverage data in the determination of the route for the travel objective.

Abstract: Provided is directed to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption due to unnecessary rapid acceleration when a vehicle drives between intersections, and it is an object to allow for economical driving by reducing the fuel cost, and minimize environmental pollution by minimizing the exhaust gas of vehicle, by providing an economical speed for drivers such that vehicles that have passed through an intersection in accordance with the present traffic light economically drives to the next intersection.

Abstract: A system including a mobile machine and a central control station is provided. The mobile machine includes a communication device and a position monitoring system including a receiver configured to receive position data from a positioning satellite and generate a position signal. The position monitoring system also includes an inertial navigation unit including a sensor configured to measure a parameter of the mobile machine and generate a movement signal. The position monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive the position signal and the movement signal, detect an unavailability of the position signal, calculate a position parameter, determine whether a difference between a first and a second value of a parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, and generate a warning signal. The central control station is configured to communicate with the controller, receive the position signal and/or the movement signal, and monitor the position of the mobile machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing export control for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In one embodiment, a GNSS receiver is used to determine the geographic position of an electronic device. It is then determined that the geographic region corresponds to an exclusion zone. In response to determining that the geographic region corresponds to the exclusion zone, accessing data from the electronic device is prevented.

Abstract: A navigation device (100) has a position detection section (7), an interface (4), a touch panel (62), and a computer (1). The computer (1) has timekeeper means for clocking a current time, estimated arrival time calculation means for calculating the estimated time of arrival at a destination by using the touch panel (62), mail creation instruction means for causing, through the interface, (4) a portable telephone (200) to create mail containing text that informs arrival at the calculated estimated time of arrival, and mail transmission instruction means for causing the portable telephone (200) to transmit the created mail. The estimated time of arrival is transmitted to the other party without operation of a portable telephone by a driver.

Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.

Abstract: A system for real-time detection of an emergency situation occurring in a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a first sensor that is configured to detect an occupant-related condition and to generate a first signal that includes information relating to the occupant-related condition. The system further includes a transmitter that is configured for wireless transmissions. The system further includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to the first sensor and operatively coupled to the transmitter. The processor is configured to obtain the first signal from the first sensor and to determine when an emergency situation is occurring based, at least in part, on the information included in the first signal. The processor further configured to instruct the transmitter to transmit a distress signal without any involvement by an occupant of the vehicle when the processor determines that an emergency situation is occurring.

Abstract: A computer system and products and methods therefor including at least one computer processor and computer readable storage medium or media including computer code and at least one storage device in which is stored GPS data for a plurality of vehicles the system comprising: a memory including GPS event database including GPS event data transmitted from a plurality of GPS devices, each GPS device associated with a vehicle, and stored over a period of time; and the one or more processors programmed at least to: receive GPS event data transmitted from a plurality of GPS devices, each GPS device associated with a vehicle; for each vehicle, store in GPS event database operatively coupled to at least one of the processors, the GPS event data; analyze the GPS event data to derive a plurality of operational metrics for each of a plurality of vehicles; identify, from the analysis, at least one trend for a GPS event history using the GPS event data; and provide, for a graphic user interface, a representation including

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing (MT) that is destined to pickup or deliver an item or service at a stop location; causing initiation of a notification communication session with a personal communications device (PCD) based upon the travel data; and during the notification communication session, enabling a party associated with the PCD to change one or more tasks associated with the pickup or delivery. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a public transportation service in a communication system includes transmitting a signal representing an existence of a passenger at a particular stop terminal, and transmitting a signal representing information on a number of vehicles at to the stop terminal for selection by a user.

Abstract: Guiding speed is increased while an unmanned vehicle is prevented from straying from a travel passage width, to improve the work efficiency. Target speed of the unmanned vehicle increases as a distance between a current position of the unmanned vehicle and a guidable borderline increases, and the target speed of the unmanned vehicle decreases as the distance between the current position of the unmanned vehicle and a guidable borderline decreases. The unmanned vehicle travels, along a travel path having adjacent inbound/outbound lanes, in a direction opposite to a direction of a vehicle on an oncoming lane. If it is determined that the vehicle traveling along the oncoming lane is approaching the unmanned vehicle, then the target speed of the unmanned vehicle is reduced, whereby the unmanned vehicle is caused to travel at a low guiding speed.

Abstract: Establishing geo-fence Boundaries. At least some embodiments involve detecting a vehicle has been in a collision, establishing a geo-fence boundary for the vehicle responsive to the detecting, monitoring a movement of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence boundary, and issuing an alert if movement of the vehicle outside the geo-fence boundary is indicative of improperly departing a scene of the collision.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry system is provided comprising a handheld remote keyless entry transmitter in selectable wireless communication with a car based entry system. The handheld remote keyless entry transmitter comprises an integrated electronic compass element and logic adapted to store a first compass direction when activated and directed towards a destination. The logic further is adapted to display a return compass direction and a return distance from the car based entry system when activated leaving the destination.

Abstract: A musical key fob vehicle locator is disclosed that provides the ability to locate one's vehicle audibly. The musical key fob vehicle locator provides a radiofrequency linked controller to a vehicle and contains a digital audio file system to play music, a song, a riff or other recorded music composed and performed by musicians using actual musical instruments to facilitate the recording. This approach provides a pleasant, personalized, and uniquely recognizable audio locator that reflects the taste, personality, and likes of the vehicle owner.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is disclosed, which comprises: a position detection module, including an inertial sensor, a magnetometer, and a global positioning device, being used for detection a movement of an object and thus generating a positioning signal accordingly; wherein the positioning signal is transmitted to a control unit and then to a signal processing device where it is being processed and converted into an angular/displacement signal to be transmitted to a monitoring device by way of a signal transmission device for enabling the monitoring device to track the movement of the object. In a preferred embodiment, both of the monitoring device and the signal transmission device are respectively being configured with a displaying unit for displaying the movement of the object. In addition, the positioning apparatus further comprises an identity module, for providing a unique identification code to the object to be used for identifying the same.

Abstract: The present inventions provide a system and method for providing a warning using at least one wireless communication link between an approaching object and the location where a warning is to be given based in part on the location of the object and its proximity to the warning location. One aspect of the inventions includes receiving a communication from an object, for example a vehicle, which includes location information, at an alert node, wirelessly communicating alert information to a warning node, and causing a warning device to generate a warning. Preferably the alert node communicates with a plurality of vehicles and a plurality of warning nodes and determines to which of the plurality of warning nodes to communicate alert information based in part on the location information received from at least one of the vehicles and the location of the warning device.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle.

Abstract: System and method for conveying data between vehicles includes a data generating system arranged on a first vehicle to obtain or generate information about the first vehicle or conditions around the first vehicle, a first communications system arranged on the first vehicle and coupled to the data generating system for communicating with a wireless Internet service provider (ISP) and a second communications system arranged on a second vehicle and communicating with an ISP. The first communications system enables the information obtained or generated by the data generating system to be transmitted via the Internet to the second communications system. The first and second communications systems can communicate with the same ISP or different ISPs linked to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for managing maintenance activities such as, for example, aircraft maintenance activities, according to which, in several exemplary embodiments, aircraft maintenance requirements are monitored and/or aircraft maintenance resources are assigned.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a vehicle (100) may include a plurality of position sensors (102) arranged at predetermined points on the vehicle and/or on one or more vehicle components; a positioning sensor device configured to provide data related to the spatial positions of the plurality of position sensors; a location detection device (106) configured to detect the location of the vehicle; a data collector configured to collect the data provided by the positioning sensor device and the location detection device; a data processor configured to process the data collected by the data collector; and a data transmitter (112) configured to transmit the data processed by the data processor to an external receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for tracking containers and logistics using a biometric identity card and a CSD (Container Security Device).

Abstract: A user, either in a vehicle with a telematics device, at a home having a computer device, using a handheld wireless device, or other type of communication device, can request services such as to repair a flat tire, unlock a locked door, repair cable television service, etc. using the communication device. The user's communication device sends a request message over the communication network to a second server. The second server creates a request for service record and forwards the message to a first server that determines a resource to dispatch to the user's location. The first server sends resource information, including location information, to the user's device, and either the device, or a device coupled to the user's communication device, displays the current location of the service resource on a map as the resource makes its way toward the user's location.

Abstract: A method of displaying a background sky in a navigation system, the method including: storing and maintaining map data and background sky image data with respect to one or more directions of the map data in a database; detecting a driving direction angle of a vehicle; computing a position of a background sky image corresponding to the detected driving direction angle; extracting background sky image data corresponding to the computed position of the background sky image from the database; and displaying the extracted background sky image data as a background sky with respect to the map data.

Abstract: The latitude/longitude and time acquired at prescribed sampling time intervals by a touring bus 1 which runs a predetermined running route are wireless-transmitted. A user 6 specifies a getting-on/off point on the basis of the latitude/longitude and time provided by the touring bus and acquires a running route inclusive of the getting-on/off point. Therefore, the user can acquire the running route inclusive of the getting-on/off point easily and instantaneously. The user can specify the getting-on/off point using the speed computed from the latitude/longitude and time acquired. Thus, the user can set his desired notifying point on the running route thus acquired. In such a configuration, there are provided a system for permitting a user of a touring bus to acquire a running route of the touring bus inclusive of a getting-on/off point easily and instantaneously and a system for notifying the arrival of the touring bus which permits the user to set his desired notifying point easily.

Abstract: A method for assisting a vehicle user in locating a vehicle when parked includes detecting via a mobile device that the vehicle has been placed in a parked state and, in response to detecting that the vehicle has been placed in a parked state, automatically retrieving the vehicle location to the mobile device and recording the vehicle location on the mobile device. The method further entails providing, in response to a request from the user to locate the parked vehicle, instructions to the user to guide the user to the parked vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet.

Abstract: A CPU specifies factors related to the month, the day of the week, and a time period including the current point in time, based on time data obtained by a timer. The CPU also specifies factors that are related to a grid ID and a road category of a given link, based on map display data, link data, and the like stored in an update map information database. The CPU then reads a sample collection number indicating the number of samples of probe information required to generate traffic information for that link and in sequence for other links. When a center traffic information DB contains stored therein, samples of probe information equal to or greater than the sample collection number for a link, the CPU generates the traffic information for that link and stores the generated traffic information as current traffic information.

Abstract: A method for making a communication available between data modules that are interconnected via communication units of a device for making the communication available, in which at least one data module is automatically selected by at least one communication unit via a data protocol.

Abstract: A communications system is disclosed that may incorporate a first platform and a second platform. The second platform may have a relative position with respect to the first platform, with at least one of the platforms being mobile. A communications subsystem is included that is adapted to modify a signal sent from the second platform to a user on the first platform that provides a spatial indication to the user as to a position of the second platform relative to the user.

Abstract: Methods and an appropriately setup communication unit for positioning in vehicle-to-surroundings communication are described, wherein the method involves a first sensor (S1) of a first communication subscriber using a transmission and reception unit to emit a challenge pulse, to which a transmission and reception unit of a second sensor (S2) of a second communication subscriber responds with a response pulse. The response pulse is received and evaluated by the first sensor (S1) and positioning is performed. In order to achieve reliable cooperative sensor communication, the transmission and reception units of the first and second sensors (S1, S2) use a frequency band (SCH2) which is reserved for vehicle-oriented safety applications.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a communication subsystem configured to provide two-way wireless communication, and a controller mounted in a vehicle and configured to receive data indicative of a location of the vehicle and to control the communication subsystem to transmit the data indicative of the vehicle location toward a remote communication center and receive operational information transmitted from the remote communication center. The controller receives a mode change command included in the operational information and in response changes operating mode between an authorization mode, in which the controller transmits an alert signal to the remote communication center, and a tracking mode, in which the controller transmits the data indicative of vehicle location continuously at predetermined intervals regardless of the authorization signal.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager.

Abstract: A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation is disclosed. The method includes establishing a machine-to-machine communication system for a fleet of machines, including at least two machines. The method also includes removing material during the excavating operation with at least a first machine of the fleet of machines. The method additionally includes operating a second machine of the fleet of machines in a mode involving contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. The method further includes employing the machine-to-machine communication system to effect controlled contact between at least the first machine and the second machine.

Abstract: A system for reducing location-related messages in a mobile a network includes: (a) a mobile communicator; (b) a location server coupled with the mobile communicator and the mobile a network; and (c) a location determiner coupled with the mobile communicator or the location server. The location determiner occasionally collects location information relating to an extant location of the mobile communicator. The mobile communicator or the location determiner effects location-related messages to convey location information to the location server. The mobile communicator or the location server employs the location-related messages to compile a locations schedule for the mobile communicator in a time-location almanac coupled with the mobile communicator. The mobile communicator occasionally compares the extant location with the locations schedule.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclose a method and system for automatically updating traffic incident data for in-vehicle navigation. This includes, but is not limited to, a method and system of notifying one or more traffic providers of a traffic accident when a telematics provider receives an automated accident notification from a vehicle. The notification prompts the traffic provider to investigate the traffic accident immediately using manual techniques (monitoring police scanners, visual confirmation by aircraft, etc.) and accurately updates its traffic information in a more timely manner. In turn, the traffic information received by the telematics unit from traffic provider is more accurate. This allows the telematics unit navigation system to provide accurate navigation directions to the subscriber while driving through traffic congested areas.