Abstract: Traffic information is provided to an in-vehicle unit of a vehicle located in a shadow portion of a large-sized vehicle and to an in-vehicle unit of a vehicle at a location separated from an intersection 193. A UHF beacon unit 112 is installed at the intersection 193, thereby distributing the traffic information using a UHF beacon signal having a diffraction characteristic. This arrangement can allow the in-vehicle unit of the vehicle located in the shadow portion of the large-sized vehicle as well to receive the traffic information. Further, since the UHF signal propagates far, this arrangement can allow the in-vehicle unit of the vehicle at the location separated from the intersection 193 as well to receive the traffic information. The UHF beacon unit 112 transmits, to a plurality of concentric zones, UHF beacon signals with different traffic information set therein for the different zones, by time division.

Abstract: A transit stop destination sign is provided that communicates wirelessly with a central transit system server over a wireless network, determines its GPS location and provides the same to the central transit system server, and provides both an updated visual destination sign display as well as an audio button for visually impaired that provides updated destination information in a natural language.

Abstract: System and method for analyzing position data from a vehicle equipped with a geographical position system to determine if the vehicle has adhered to a predetermined schedule, where the vehicle is scheduled to arrive at each one of a plurality of predetermined locations during a corresponding predetermined time window, the position data identifying a specific geographical location of the vehicle at a specific point in time. Position data from the vehicle is collected as the vehicle travels to the plurality of different locations, the position data identifying a specific geographical location of the vehicle at a specific point in time. Then the position data is analyzed to determine whether the vehicle was at each predetermined location during the corresponding predetermined time window. An exception report is automatically generated for each instance that the vehicle was not at one of the plurality of predetermined locations during the corresponding time window.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services. The system includes at least one module configured to provide fictitious location or route information of a mobile user to selected users or group of users based on a mobile user provided profile.

Abstract: A method and system of switch and actuator coupling in a chassis of a container associated with an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of a tracking system involves coupling a first switch of a chassis to a second actuator of a container and coupling a first actuator of the chassis to a second switch of the container when the container is placed on the chassis, and signaling a wake event to a container tracking device when the first switch and the first actuator of the chassis is coupled with the second actuator and the second switch of the container. The method may also include communicating at least one of a location data and a container identification number of the container through at least one of the container tracking device and a chassis tracking device, through a network, to an administrative server.

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: Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.

Abstract: A method of estimating the type of intersection control for two or more roadways includes steps of classifying each roadway at an intersection and estimating the type of intersection control used for each roadway. Roadways can be classified by size, traveling speed, number of lanes as well as any other roadway characteristics. In some cases, a warning system can be operated using the estimated intersection control type for each roadway.

Abstract: In a method data are collected about users of mobile telephones which are present within a plurality of defined cells between two specified points in time. For this purpose a list of telephone numbers of mobile telephones is retrieved from a data base, which mobile telephones were located in the defined cells between the two specified points in time. The list of telephone numbers is converted into unique numbers to avoid violation of privacy. Subsequently, the cells are defined in which the housing locations of the users of these mobile telephones are situated. This is effected by sending non-noticeable text messages to mobile telephones on various days at a number of different points in time at which most people are expected to be at home. Based on these text messages the locations of the mobile telephones are established.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a geographical position corresponding to an event associated with operation of a wireless device communicating in a wireless communications network. The time and distance between the occurrence of the event and the related time and speed of the wireless device of at least one of a first and second location fix, respectively measured before and after the event, are analyzed. The first and second location fixes having Quality of Service (QoS) adjusted such that the resulting fixes are based at least partly on terrestrial wireless communication measurements. These analyses include comparing those metrics to predetermined time thresholds to validate a geographic position and, in some instances, determine a preferred geographic position to associate with the event.

Abstract: A method and a system for displaying an airport or runway moving map with traffic information on a display screen in the cockpit or flight deck of an aircraft. Symbology representing surface and near-surface aircraft and surface vehicle traffic and associated traffic data are filtered to prevent or limit clutter on the display screen. Traffic symbology is automatically and manually filtered to display only relevant traffic. Traffic data is selectively displayed and displayed as/when relevant or needed. The displayed traffic information may be derived from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, traffic information system-broadcast, automatic dependent surveillance-rebroadcast, traffic collision avoidance system or other source.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: Traffic management reports are created from data provided by vehicle sensor devices placed at different fixed locations in a region. Data of vehicles that pass each of the vehicle sensor devices are captured and communicated to a central computer database. At the central computer database, traffic management reports are periodically created from the vehicle data. Each traffic management report incorporates vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle data is for a plurality of previous, non-current times so as to allow for analysis of past vehicle data.

Abstract: Provided is a communication device mounted in a vehicle or disposed at the roadside, which can adaptively and efficiently manage positional information relating to directly communicable surrounding in-vehicle communication devices and surrounding roadside communication devices and can stably transmit information to a specified communication destination even when the positional relationship between vehicles frequently changes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for identifying overlapping areas. For example, in one embodiment, telematics data can be collected as vehicles traverse various geographic areas. Then, the areas traversed by the vehicles can be displayed to identify overlapping areas.

Abstract: A vehicle detection unit (VDU) is embedded beneath each of a plurality of parking spaces. Each VDU has a sensor which detects magnetic field fluctuations caused by the arrival and departure of a vehicle in the parking space. The VDU runs a vehicle detection algorithm to distinguish magnetic fluctuations caused by vehicles from “exceptional” magnetic fluctuations from other sources. The VDU also stores parameters which define notifiable vehicle space occupancy events. A processor of the VDU processes the sensor signal to determine occupancy status of the vehicle space, and compare the occupancy status of the vehicle space with the parameters in order to determine whether a notifiable event has occurred, such as a vehicle going into violation of parking restrictions. As necessary, the VDU initiates radio communications with a supervisory device, either a transient portable device such as a Parking Officer's PDA or a fixed radio node mounted within range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a vehicle to communicate with another vehicle or with an infrastructure device which has a particular range which is dependent on the current position of the vehicle. In order to ensure correct operation of the communication, the range to be expected for the communication is derived inter alia from the nature of the surroundings, which is dependent on the current position of the vehicle. The invention also relates to an appropriate apparatus for communication.

Abstract: A system includes a processor in communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS) and a remote target. The processor is configured to receive an alarm message from the VCS, including GPS coordinates. The processor is further configured to interpret the alarm message to retrieve at least the GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to perform reverse geocoding on the GPS coordinates to associate an address with the GPS coordinates. Also, the processor is configured to package the address in a new alarm message.

Abstract: Implementing a ride share service includes determining a route for an operator of the vehicle and accessing user preferences of the operator, the user preferences including characteristics of a ride share event and prospective ride share individuals. The ride share service also includes comparing the user preferences with information provided by individuals seeking transportation, each of the individuals providing a request for the transportation. The ride share service further includes identifying qualified candidates for the ride share event from the comparing by determining a threshold level of characteristics matching information provided by the individuals. In response to receiving a selection of a qualified candidate from the qualified candidates, the ride share service includes transmitting a communication to the selected qualified candidate accepting the request.

Abstract: A location-based and preference-based system and method for matching media content about persons, places and things with the expressed preferences of mobile users to notify users about and provide users with access to media content about persons, places and things that match the user's expressed preferences. The system thus provides information such as stories or articles that match the user's interests and relate to their location. The system may assign ranks to all of the media content that meets that user's preferences wherein, in one embodiment, it will automatically play them in the assigned order. Comparison of the user's preferences with the various profiles of the media content allows the user only to be informed of the media content for those persons, places or things that the user is likely to be interested in. The system and method thus provides for a mobile real-time point of interest exchange network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, defining a search area when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the search area including boundaries, calculating, using a processor, a points of interest (POI) density of the search area, comparing the POI density with a first density threshold and a second density threshold, adjusting the boundaries of the search area based on a result of comparing the POI density with the first density threshold and the second density threshold, identifying POIs in the adjusted search area, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, the POI information being associated with one or more POIs identified in the adjusted search area.

Abstract: A tag has a transmitter for transmitting first wireless signals, and a receiver for receiving second wireless signals from which the tag can determine its current physical location. A different embodiment includes a tag having a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, and a reader having a receiver for receiving the wireless signals, the receiver in the reader being an ultra-sensitive receiver.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing popular routes via a global positioning satellite (GPS) system. A GPS device receives a route request from a user. The GPS device then determines a current location of the GPS device and connects to a network server. In response to connecting to the network server, the GPS device transmits a route selection request to the network server. In response, the GPS device receives a route selection list from the network server where the route selection list contains a plurality of routes previously taken by other drivers. Each route is assigned a popularity rating. The GPS device displays one or more of the routes of the route selection list, and requests that a user select a route. After the user selects a route the GPS device displays the selected route as an overlay on a map display.

Abstract: A system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to be equipped with data representing a first UAV flight plan, and a ground station configured to control the UAV. The ground station is operable to receive, at a first time, a first data set representing at least one flight path of at least one aircraft, calculate a second UAV flight plan to avoid the at least one flight path of the at least one aircraft, the second UAV flight plan being based on the data representing the first UAV flight plan and the first data set representing at least one flight path of the at least one aircraft, and transmit data representing the second UAV flight plan to the UAV.

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: Provided are an apparatus and method for transmitting/identifying a location based on local communication. The apparatus, includes: a location information calculating unit for receiving a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal from a GPS satellite and calculating location information; own location transmitting unit for transmitting a signal, in which the calculated location information and recognition information are inserted, through a local communication antenna; a counterpart location receiving unit for receiving a signal transmitted from another location transmitting/identifying apparatus located in a close range through the local communication antenna; and a counterpart location identifying unit for checking the received signal and identifying a location of another location transmitting/identifying apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for tracking mass transit vehicles, including monitoring a Base Station IDentification (BS ID) of a base station registered with a communication device; identifying a change in said BS ID; determining a current location of said communication device; determining a previous location of said communication device; calculating a distance d between said current location and said previous location; determining a subway exit closest to said current location; determining a distance dc between said current location and said subway exit; when said distance dc is less than an exit threshold, determining a subway entrance closest to said previous location; determining a distance dp between said previous location and said subway entrance; when said distance dp is less than an entrance threshold, determining a direction from said previous location to said current location; and identifying at least one subway train based on said entrance location, said exit location and said direction.

Abstract: A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: An electronic map device apparatus, and an associated method, creates a route between a route source and a route destination for display at the electronic map device. Locations, area, and features that a user does not desire to encounter during travel along the route are identified and form exclusion information. The exclusion information is entered by way of a user interface. The exclusion information is utilized in the formation of the selected route. A mapping that identifies the selected route is displayed at a display device of the user interface.

Abstract: A road-side support device which provides support information to a vehicle includes a device-side receiver unit that receives equipment information on equipment of the vehicle or detectable information detectable by a sensor unit of the vehicle, a priority calculating unit that calculates a priority of a support using the support information on the basis of the equipment information or the detectable information, and a device-side transmitter unit that transmits the support information to the vehicle on the basis of the priority. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the efficiency of processes necessary for vehicle control, driving support, or the like in the road-side support device and the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling communication between at least one stationary and at least one mobile, data-exchanging unit. In said method, a position of the mobile unit is determined, and communication is made possible in response thereto. According to the invention, a priority measure is determined in response to the determined position, and data can be transmitted from the mobile, data-exchanging unit according to the priority.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing location-specific images to a mobile device for display. The system generally comprises three components: a mobile device having a screen, a position identification system (e.g., a GPS receiver) that determines the position of the mobile device, and a database containing location-specific images taken at various locations. Each location-specific image is associated with geographic coordinates of the location at which the image was taken. Based on the position of the mobile device as determined by the position identification system, a location-specific image is selected from the database and displayed on the screen of the mobile device. For example, when a user is using the mobile device as a car navigation system, a location-specific image of the user's destination location can be selected and displayed when the determined position of the mobile device comes within a certain distance from the geographic coordinates of the destination location.

Abstract: A location-based and preference-based system and method for matching media content about persons, places and things with the expressed preferences of mobile users to notify users about and provide users with access to media content about persons, places and things that match the user's expressed preferences. The system thus provides information such as stories or articles that match the user's interests and relate to their location. The system may assign ranks to all of the media content that meets that user's preferences wherein, in one embodiment, it will automatically play them in the assigned order. Comparison of the user's preferences with the various profiles of the media content allows the user only to be informed of the media content for those persons, places or things that the user is likely to be interested in. The system and method thus provides for a mobile real-time point of interest exchange network.

Abstract: A route can be generated through utilization of a conventional manner, such as a portable electronic device accessing a database with roads, traffic information, weather data, and the like. As a user approaches a private area, the route can be augmented with travel information concerning the private area. Artificial intelligence techniques can be used to determine if a route should be augmented, to infer what augmentations to make, etc.

Abstract: A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle using an image generated by a camera includes monitoring the image, and utilizing a first patch-based analysis of the image including dividing the image into a plurality of patches, and analyzing each patch to determine a first clear path confidence likelihood for each of the patches of the first patch-based analysis. Each of the patches with the first clear path confidence likelihood greater than a first threshold confidence likelihood is defined as a clear path patch. A second analysis is utilized upon a portion of the patches with the first clear path confidence not greater than the first threshold confidence likelihood to determine a second clear path confidence likelihood for each of the patches of the second analysis. Each of the patches of the second analysis with the second clear path confidence likelihood greater than a second threshold confidence likelihood is defined as a clear path patch.

Abstract: Traffic management reports are created by providing vehicle sensor devices at different location in a region. Each device captures data of vehicles that pass the device. The vehicle data is communicated to a central computer database. At the central computer database, a user interface selects one or more criteria from a plurality of criteria for filtering the vehicle data. Traffic management reports are then automatically created from the filtered vehicle data using the selected criteria.

Abstract: A system serving a remotely accessible page includes a server and the remotely accessible page operatively connected to the server. The remotely accessible page includes a first activation option for initiating a navigation function utilizing no starting point or a starting point entered by a user, and a second activation option for initiating a navigation function utilizing a starting point obtained by the system from a vehicle.

Abstract: A conveying system, includes control devices for controlling the operation of the conveying system. The conveying system also includes a central control. The central control is arranged to select from a plurality of the different operating modes of the conveying system the operating mode to be used at any given time. The central control is connected to the control devices with a communications channel for indicating the operating mode selected to the control devices.

Abstract: Using data from a wireless telephony network to support transportation planning and engineering. Data related to wireless network users is extracted from the wireless network to determine the location of a mobile station. Additional location records for the mobile station can be used to characterize the movement of the mobile station: its speed, its route, its point of origin and destination, and its primary and secondary transportation analysis zones. Aggregating data associated with multiple mobile stations allows characterizing and predicting traffic parameters, including traffic speeds and volumes along routes.

Abstract: A navigation device and computer implemented method for predicting the destination of a trip, the method being executed by a navigation device, the method comprising the steps of: determining starting parameters, the starting parameters comprising at least the starting point, starting time and date of the trip, executing a destination prediction algorithm, the destination prediction algorithm taking the starting parameters as input and predicting a destination, wherein the destination prediction algorithm is generated by using information of a trip history; determining, upon arrival at the predicted or another destination, the actual destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a position of a vehicle are described. The system includes at least one GNSS sensor mounted to the vehicle for receiving GNSS signals of a global positioning system and at least one physical sensor mounted to the vehicle for generating physical data indicative of a physical parameter of at least a part of the vehicle. The system also includes a recursive statistical estimator, such as a Kalman Filter, in communication with the GNSS sensor(s) for seeding the recursive statistical estimator with an output of the GNSS sensor(s) to determine an estimated position of the vehicle. A data fusion module combines the estimated position and velocity of the vehicle with the physical data thus generating combined data, which is used to seed the recursive statistical estimator to determine an updated estimated position of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624).

Abstract: A navigation system includes an information center and a navigation device installed in a probe vehicle. The information center stores limiting information for specifying a content of probe information in accordance with predefined factors, specifies a predefined factor corresponding to a navigation device, selects the limiting information based on the specified predefined factor, transmits the selected limiting information to the navigation device, and receives the corresponding probe information transmitted from a navigation device. The navigation device receives the limiting information from the information center, collects probe information, selects only the probe information specified by the received limiting information for transmission to the information center, and transmits the selected probe information to the information center.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for telematics navigation.

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 system and method is provided for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services. The system includes at least one module configured to provide fictitious location or route information of a mobile user to selected users or group of users based on a mobile user provided profile.

Abstract: A road information acquisition device includes: a surface elevation acquisition unit that obtains a surface elevation; a road information acquisition unit that calculates first road information relating to a travel route to be traveled by a host vehicle on the basis of the surface elevation; and a structure determination unit that determines whether or not a structure exists on the travel route, wherein, when the structure determination unit determines that the structure exists on the travel route, the road information acquisition unit obtains second road information, which is different from the first road information, relating to a point at which the structure exists on the travel route.

Abstract: A cloth material with separate conductive areas includes at least one first layer comprising at least one first conductive area; and at least one extension part, which includes at least one accessory and at least one connecting part connected to the accessory, wherein the extension part comprises at least one second conductive area, which corresponds in location to the first conductive area on the first layer, wherein the first conductive area and the second conductive area are inductively coupled, a condition of inductive coupling is adapted to be changed by an outside force.

Abstract: The invention provides an information retrieval apparatus and an information retrieval method by which information can be retrieved in an improved operability. A CPU controls a video camera to fetch an image and controls a GPS to detect a current position. The CPU reads out, from within image data stored in a corresponding relationship with URLs of WWW servers, those image data which correspond to position data regarding positions around the detected current position from a WWW data base via a modem and a host machine. Then, the CPU selects, from among the read out image data, that image data which matches with the fetched data, reads out a URL corresponding to the image data and accesses a WWW server designated by the URL.

Abstract: The invention provides an information retrieval apparatus and an information retrieval method by which information can be retrieved in an improved operability. A CPU controls a video camera to fetch an image and controls a GPS to detect a current position. The CPU reads out, from within image data stored in a corresponding relationship with URLs of WWW servers, those image data which correspond to position data regarding positions around the detected current position from a WWW data base via a modem and a host machine. Then, the CPU selects, from among the read out image data, that image data which matches with the fetched data, reads out a URL corresponding to the image data and accesses a WWW server designated by the URL.