Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a vehicle displacement sensor comprising a wireless transmitter generating a signal indicating rotational displacement of a vehicle component. A complementary wireless transmitter receives the signal from the transmitter. A computer calculates vehicle speed or displacement based upon the rotational speed or displacement of the vehicle component. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is secured to a wheel of the vehicle and generates an RF signal upon each revolution of the wheel.

Abstract: A passive alert system is provided for vehicles traveling along a predetermined travel route. The vehicles are equipped with vehicle processing systems which are in communication with a remote server. The remote server acquires information pertaining to conditions along the travel route, such as weather and traffic conditions, and determines if these conditions are of a nature which warrants reporting them to the vehicle processing systems.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with an automated computer-based notification system. One representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party; and during the notification communication, receiving a response from the party's personal communications device, indicating that the party associated with the personal communications device has received notice. A representative response system has mechanisms for performing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for determining the position for a working part of a tool on a working machine with a position-determining apparatus (2, 4, 5, 6; 2, 4a, 4b, 5, 6?; 31, 33, 49, 50, 51, 1?,53). At least one detector equipment (4, 5, 6; 4a, 4b, 5, 6?; 31, 33; 49, 50, 51, 53) is placed at a defined place on the working machine (3; 52) in order to determine the position of this position in a fixed coordinate system. At least one positional relationship device (11) determines the positional relation of the working part in relation to the detector equipment in a machine-based coordinate system. A calculating device (20) calculates, with signals from the position-determining apparatus and the positional relationship device, the position of the working part in the fixed coordinate system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.

Abstract: A method and system for sending messages that indicate position. In one embodiment, the message transmission device includes a message transmission unit that is coupled to a position determination system. A server is adapted to receive messages from the message transmission device. In operation, a first message is generated at the message transmission device. The position of the message transmission device is determined and is included in the message. The message is then sent to the server. The server then generates a second message that complies with any instruction indicated in the first message that relates to position. An instruction that relates to position can indicate routing, format, performance of a task, etc. By indicating return routing in the instruction, a user can obtain location in any of a number of desired formats without the need to store extensive databases in the message transmission device.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle sharing system for managing motor vehicles parked in a parking area and renting the motor vehicles to users, the motor vehicle is provided with a detector for detecting the start and end of motor vehicle rental, and a usage data measuring section for starting and completing measurements for motor vehicle usage data. The detector contains a position detector for detecting the parking area. The motor vehicle is further provided with a membership list in which user information is recorded, a charge list, a rentability judging section for judging whether the motor vehicle is rentable, and a charging data generating section for making charging data by referring to the motor vehicle usage data measured by the usage data measuring section and the charge list Thus, it is possible to perform the rental and return operation without relying on a control center.

Abstract: A database receives location information about a moving object. Using the destination of the object and an electronic map, the database finds a projected path for the moving object. From the projected path, the database computes a trajectory. The trajectory may be used to estimate past and future positions of the moving object. The moving object may send location updates to the database when its actual location differs from its anticipated location by more than an uncertainty threshold.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting the approach of a vehicle includes an encoded signal which identifies a vehicle or route, and which is used to distinguish from different vehicles and routes. A receiver detects transmission signals above a threshold level, and responsive to reception thereof checks for one or a plurality of codes that identify particular vehicles of interest. When a desired signal is received, an alarm or indicator is generated that alerts a person. When the indicator is terminated, a lock-out period prevents undesired re-activation of the alarm or indicator based upon the same code. Unique headers enable transmission and exchange of additional data, and logical text may be provided which enables more ready viewing of coded information. The present invention has industrial applicability to public and private transportation systems, whether for passengers or other cargo.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining altitude-related data along roads. A vehicle includes equipment capable of determining the current absolute positions of the vehicle as it is being driven. The vehicle also includes equipment capable of determining a distance traveled by the vehicle. Two points along a road are selected. Altitude-related data are determined as a function of the horizontal difference between the absolute positions of the two points and the distance traveled by the vehicle between the two points.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a vehicle status reporting system for allowing a user to define when a user will receive a vehicle status report about the status of a mobile vehicle, in relation to a location, for establishing a communication link between the system and the user, and for delivering the status report during the communication link, the status report indicating occurrence of one or more events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting uncoupling of a trailer outside a planned uncoupling area. A global positioning system determines the location of the trailer. A vehicle computer coupled to the global positioning system is used to determine whether the trailer has been uncoupled outside a planned uncoupling area.

Abstract: A method and system for recording, synthesizing, distributing, and playing back position data includes a reference receiver having a known position, a mobile receiver having a variable position along a trajectory path, and a processor that calculates the trajectory path based on the reference receiver's position and the mobile receiver's position. The system generates a composite simulation dataset that displays the trajectory path in a virtual reality-like interactive display.

Abstract: A vehicle information display device has a vehicle information receiving means for receiving a vehicle information, a present position detecting means for detecting the present position of a driver's own vehicle, and a display means which is so adapted that when the vehicle information receiving means receives a vehicle information based on image data, the vehicle information based on image data is displayed, and the present position of the driver's own vehicle is displayed by means of characters or a present position indicating mark on a displayed map.

Abstract: A method for reducing repetitive false alarm indications in a vehicle impact detection system for a host vehicle includes generating false alarm positional information corresponding to a detected object determined to be a false alarm. The false alarm is determined subsequent to an issued warning to a driver, and the false alarm positional information is stored in a database. The false alarm positional information in the database is further evaluated to determine, based on predefined removal criteria, whether any of the false alarm positional information in the database is to be removed therefrom. The false alarm positional information remaining in the database is used to inhibit the issuance of a warning to a driver of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for the acquisition of automobile traffic information through wireless data networks. In one embodiment, the method determines traffic conditions on roadways using a plurality of mobile communication devices. Traffic data is obtained from the mobile communication devices. The traffic data is provided to the server. The traffic data is analyzed to determine the traffic conditions.

Abstract: A wireless phone having an internal GPS-receiver is turned on by an auxiliary switch coupled to a Microwire bus for turning on the phone and the internally carried GPS receiver so that the phone can be made to call a predetermined number and report location. If the switch closure is a result of paging, a phone can be paged to report location whether or not the phone is initially off. This accommodates such applications as Alzheimer patients, truck-tracking, kid-tracking, pet-tracking and in general any application in which a wireless communications device such as a cell phone can be caused to report location, with the phone initially in an off condition. Alternative activations through the closure of specialized switches responsive to airbag deployment, car alarm activation, medical condition alerts, and perimeter violations, provides local activation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjusting apparatus having an optical aimer (2) that includes a reflector (2.1) for adjusting parts of a motor vehicle, in particular distance warning radar, headlights, or an axle; having an emitting device (3) that emits a collimated beam (3.4); and having a vertical adjusting device (1) for orienting the reflector (2.1) at a certain angle (&bgr;) to a floor (5) of a measuring station forming the contact plane of the vehicle. An exact vertical alignment or orientation at a certain tilt angle to the floor of the measuring station is achieved by simple measures, in that the emitting device (3) is positioned in a vehicle region remote from the aimer (2), at a specific, defined level (h) of the vehicle above the measuring-station floor (5) and may be adjusted for emitting the beam (3.

Abstract: The present invention enables efficient communication of location identification of remote movable objects or vehicles over capacity-constrained wireless communications systems by transmitting only the truncated latitude and longitude coordinate data relative to a dynamically alterable and previously unknown coordinate reference anchor.

Abstract: The invention is a method of calling a group of tourists back to their conveyance, in which each passenger is given a portable alerting device when they leave the conveyance. When the conveyance is ready to leave, a transmitter on the conveyance transmits a wireless signal which causes the alerting device to vibrate or give off a light or sound signal, alerting the passenger to return to the conveyance for departure.

Abstract: A mobile location reporting communication system consists of a network of communication sources and targets managed by one or more control stations. In the system, a communication source may request for the location of a mobile communication target from the network. The target conveys its location to the network and that information is provided to the source. In the invention a mobile communication source request for the location of mobile communication targets that are present in a prescribed geographic boundary. The network provides to the source only remote targets that are present in the prescribed boundary. Also in the invention, a concealed or clandestine mobile portable target, close to the mobile portable source, may be tracking the source. The source may invoke a method that may the result of mobile targets that have traveled a pre-specified distance with the source while maintaining proximity to the source.

Abstract: An advance notification system notifies users of the impending arrival of a vehicle, for example, an overnight package delivery vehicle, at a particular vehicle stop. The system generally includes an on-board vehicle control unit (VCU) for each vehicle and a base station control unit (BSCU) for sending messages to user computers in order to inform the users when the vehicle resides at a certain predefined time period, distance, prior stop, and/or location point from the vehicle stop. Moreover, vehicle tracking, the BSCU, a computer network (e.g., the Internet), and software located on a user computer may be combined in a plurality of configurations for launching and communicating a message of the impending arrival of a particular vehicle before it arrives. Significantly, the computer message is to advise of the impending arrival and preferably will exhibit a distinctive display and/or sound on the recipient computer so that the recipient is informed of the message.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes integrated software and hardware apparatus to identify, track and report tax-deductible vehicle travel routes including actual mileage, stops and routes driven. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment is used in conjunction with mapping and/or reporting software to display and/or report mileage and vehicle use for tax or reimbursement purposes. Vehicle owners can select mobile units, batch processing, wireless or hard wire mobile unit data downloading.

Abstract: A method and system for sending messages that indicate position. In one embodiment, the message transmission device includes a message transmission unit that is coupled to a position determination system. A server is adapted to receive messages from the message transmission device. In operation, a first message is generated at the message transmission device. The position of the message transmission device is determined and is included in the message. The message is then sent to the server. The server then generates a second message that complies with any instruction indicated in the first message that relates to position. An instruction that relates to position can indicate routing, format, performance of a task, etc. By indicating return routing in the instruction, a user can obtain location in any of a number of desired formats without the need to store extensive databases in the message transmission device.

Abstract: A vehicle location system which operates to provide a location of a vehicle. Specifically, if a payment due date associated with the vehicle has passed and a payment has not been received for the vehicle, the vehicle location system operates to provide the vehicle's location to a service agency. The service agency can then locate and repossess the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle location system can be activated if it is detected that the vehicle is being tampered with. The location of the vehicle can be determined using global positioning satellites or by triangulation using base stations in mobile radio systems.

Abstract: In a vehicle anti-theft matching system, password matching is effected only when a mismatch between a current vehicle position acquired from a car navigation system 1 and an authorized storage area registered in a position registration section 11 beforehand has existed for a period of time exceeding a given period. When the vehicle is returned to the authorized storage area within a given period of time, the vehicle is deemed to remain unstolen. Thus, password matching is not performed. Labor imposed on an authorized owner when his/her vehicle is driven in a normal state can be mitigated as compared with the case of a related-art system which always performs matching for identifying an authorized owner.

Abstract: A method of generating navigation instructions for a vehicle is provided. A destination of the vehicle is received at a route generation application. A maneuver list comprising a plurality of navigation instructions is calculated based on a current location of the vehicle and the destination. A distance threshold is determined based on the current location of the vehicle and the destination. The navigation instructions located within the distance threshold are determined and transmitted from the route generation application to the vehicle. The navigation instructions located within the distance threshold are executed at the vehicle. Systems and programs for using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A marine ship tracking system automatically and accurately monitors ship movements utilizing a limited number of reports from a marine ship and is easily installed and operated. Ships utilizing the marine ship tracking system periodically transmit reports to a remote tracking center. A ship sends a report to the remote tracking center when there is a significant change in the ship's movement or position, or if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the ship last sent a report to the remote tracking center. The report includes current ship information, such as current position and current movement information. Because the ship sends a report each time a significant change in movement occurs, the remote tracking center may accurately extrapolate the position of the ship between the transmissions of the reports. In this manner, the remote tracking center may retain an accurate history of the ship's position and movements at all times.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided improving the accuracy, availability and integrity of GPS service. Specifically, the present invention provides a GPS device with the correction messages which are from the most accurate and desirable source while at the same time conserving processor and memory resources of the device. The method includes receiving GPS data. An SBAS signal from a first correction source is received. Ionospheric mask messages, for a number of grid points, in the received SBAS signal are analyzed. An abbreviated bounding region around a group of similar type grid points is constructed. The method further includes determining whether the position of the GPS device is within the abbreviated bounding region.

Abstract: A mobile terminal reports its position to the mobile communication network on a regular and unsolicited basis. Position reports are combined with data, such as channel quality measurements or packet data, that is otherwise being transmitted by the mobile terminal to the mobile communication network to reduce the number of access events and avoid collisions on shared channels. Position reports may give position as an absolute position, a relative position, or alternatively may be an indication of no change in position. Other position-related information, such as velocity and acceleration, may be included in position reports and used to vary the frequency of the position reports.

Abstract: A system and method to flexibly control intervals between trains in which there are base stations at predetermined intervals along a train rail. Each base station has a radar which detects data of distance between the base station and trains moving on the train rail, a traveling command calculator which calculates a traveling command based on the date of distance, and a traveling command providing device which provides the traveling command calculated by the traveling command calculator to the trains.

Abstract: A message filtering system is provided for filtering generally broadcast messages received by a movable unit. The generally broadcast message includes an information segment including location, time and/or velocity information relating to an event of potential interest to the unit which has occurred in the past and which has continuing consequences for the unit. The movement history of the unit is stored along with data selection information and a determination is made as to whether the information contained in the broadcast information segment is of interest based on this stored information.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted device is configured to transmit vehicle position data to a network-based server using a wireless communication system. The device includes first and second processing modules carried by a vehicle. The first module receives positioning signals and processes the signals into vehicle position data representing date and time, and the position, velocity and direction of travel of the vehicle. The second module stores the signals and communicates the signals to a network-based server using a wireless communications system. The signals are storable on-board the device during periods that the device is out of range of the wireless communication system for later transmission to the network-based server.

Abstract: A web based vehicle tracking system includes a passenger identification device that registers when a passenger boards and disembarks the vehicle. The web based vehicle tracking system utilizes a vehicle information system, that includes the passenger identification device, and a base station network administrator to monitor the travel of a vehicle and the on-board status of a passenger. Using, a user communications interface, a user accesses the Internet to query passenger on-board status information.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for tracking an object, person or animal, the object, person or animal being provided with a tracking wireless transceiver. The system includes a receiver for receiving an indication that the object, person or animal needs to be tracked; a wireless radio link for wirelessly communicating with the tracking wireless transceiver; a device for estimating coordinates of the object, person or animal based on a location of one or more sites communicating with the tracking wireless transceiver; and at least one wireless device provided with the object, person or animal, for wirelessly communicating with the tracking wireless transceiver. The present invention can be useful for communicating with the object, person or animal to be tracked, and is a more flexible system over the prior art systems.

Abstract: A vehicle location system which operates to provide a location of a vehicle. Specifically, if a payment due date associated with the vehicle has passed and a payment has not been received for the vehicle, the vehicle location system operates to provide the vehicle's location to a service agency. The service agency can then locate and repossess the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle location system can be activated if it is detected that the vehicle is being tampered with. The location of the vehicle can be determined using global positioning satellites or by triangulation using base stations in mobile radio systems.

Abstract: A portable information-providing apparatus comprising a position detector, a direction detector, a processor, a memory, and information output device. The position detector provides data of a use's position. The direction detector provides data of a direction as determined by the user. The processor operates to correlate said position and direction data with information of features in the user's surroundings as stored in the memory. The information output device provides the information to the user, the information being related to a feature in the user's surroundings generally along the direction determined by the user.

Abstract: A navigation unit 1 sends map image information representing a map image of an area around a current position of an automobile in which the unit 1 is installed to a communication apparatus 9 with which the unit 1 is communicating, if the communication apparatus 9 does not have geographical data. The map image information includes information such as a symbol image that allows the current position of the navigation unit 1 to be identified. The data format of the map image information is a data format that allows the information to be reproduced in an ordinary personal computer.

Abstract: A mobile location reporting communication system consists of a network of communication sources and targets managed by one or more control stations. In the system, a communication source may request for the location of a mobile communication target from the network. The target conveys its location to the network and that information is provided to the source. In the invention a mobile communication source request for the location of mobile communication targets that are present in a prescribed geographic boundary. The network provides to the source only remote targets that are present in the prescribed boundary. Also in the invention, a concealed or clandestine mobile portable target, close to the mobile portable source, may be tracking the source. The source may invoke a method that may result in the disclosure of mobile targets that have traveled a pre-specified distance with the source while maintaining proximity to the source.

Abstract: Either a specified point Q or a specified area Ar, at which an operating condition of a vehicle becomes a specified operating condition, is set beforehand from among points or areas on a travel route along which a vehicle travels. Then, an operating parameter P of a point in time ts1, ts2, ts3, ts4 . . . , tsn, at which a vehicle passes either a specified point Q or a specified area Ar, is obtained. Then, a vehicle abnormality is diagnosed on the basis of the values of these obtained operating parameters P (maximum values Pmax).

Abstract: A reduction in telecommunications costs in the transmission of extensive data from a telematic terminal unit in a vehicle to a central station is made possible by a method for the transmission of location data implicating the location of the terminal unit in a traffic network at a point in time and of measurement data impliciting other characteristics of the traffic network at a location and/or at a time to the central traffic station, which location data and measurement data are detected by the terminal unit, particularly a telematic terminal unit for a vehicle. At least some of the data records transmitted from the terminal unit to the central traffic station contain only location data and some of the data records transmitted from the terminal unit to the central traffic station contain measurement data.

Abstract: A method for determining a position and a heading of a work machine having a work implement controllably attached. The method includes the steps of positioning the work machine at a desired work location, determining an initial position and heading of the work machine in site coordinates, determining a position of the work implement relative to the work machine, positioning the work implement at a desired reference point, determining the position of the work implement at the reference point in site coordinates, periodically positioning the work implement at the reference point during work operations, and determining a new position and heading of the work machine as a function of the position of the work implement relative to the work machine.

Abstract: A computer system for determining traffic patterns and congestion and using the determined traffic patterns and congestion to determine an appropriate route using a global positioning system and related route map calculator. A vehicle is provided with an onboard computer system adapted to determine travel time of a vehicle in a road segment and calculate a route based on this information. In addition, this information can be distributed to or otherwise shared with other vehicles and similar information can be received from other vehicles to provide a distributed network for generating and sharing experienced traffic patterns. The information can also be used to predict traffic patterns as well.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data packets between motor vehicles includes transmitting individual data packets including vehicle data and generation data for the individual data packets. Other motor vehicles may combine the individual data packets into combined data packets and transmit them. The data packets may include fields, each of which may include data-packet generation data and vehicle data. To allow processing to be performed in the transmitting/receiving stations in motor vehicles. Permanently installed radio stations allow a main station to supply information columns at clearly defined points with traffic information to inform users outside of the roads.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of services, includes a computer device within a vehicle, a vehicle monitoring system coupled to the computer device, a communication system coupled to the computer device for outputting a signal with vehicle monitoring system data, and a remote service center computer device for receiving a signal with vehicle monitoring system data. The method of distributing vehicle maintenance services includes monitoring, by a sensor, a maintenance parameter of the vehicle, communicating the service parameter to a controller, the controller triggering a communications device, sending, by the communications device, a message to a service center, and dispatching, by the service center, a service vehicle based on receiving the signal.

Abstract: A system and method to store a sequence of data records relating to attributes of interactions between fuel dispensers and tags. The data records may be stored on the tag or at a location remote from the tag, such as a fuel dispenser, central site controller or other network. The data records may contain the identity of the dispenser, tag and any attribute of a received signal, such as frequency band or signal strength, or other attribute indicative of proximity. Every dispenser that attempts to communicate with a tag in question adds its own interaction data to a limited history of a tag's past interactions with the same and other dispensers. When a dispenser or central site control system examines the contents of the interaction histories, the detected presence of other dispensers or the relative strength of the recorded interaction attributes will determine what, if any, action is to be taken by the dispensers or central site control system to communicate with the tag at issue.

Abstract: An information system of a vehicle has a controller which is arranged to decide a danger point on a traveling road according to a traveling circumstance of the vehicle and to store the danger point for the next travel. The information system informs a driver that the vehicle approaches the danger point stored. Therefore, the information system can provide optimum information according to driver's driving skill to the driver.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for dynamically routing a material transport vehicle using traffic based parameters. A controller directed to allocate a material transport vehicle to a particular node, selects the material transport vehicle that is physically closest to the particular node. The controller calculates an optimal route by identifying the possible routes between the initial node of the material transport vehicle and the destination node, and analyzing each of the nodes within each identified route according to a metric function by calculating a metric function value for each identified route. The controller then selects the route for the material transport vehicle having the smallest metric function value. The metric function may include parameters associated with each of the nodes in the material transport system including a node-to-node distance parameter, a node crossing parameter, and the number of material transport vehicles in a queue at each node within the route.

Abstract: A computer system for determining traffic patterns and congestion and using the determined traffic patterns and congestion to determine an appropriate route using a global positioning system and related route map calculator. A vehicle is provided with an onboard computer system adapted to determine travel time of a vehicle in a road segment and calculate a route based on this information. In addition, this information can be distributed to or otherwise shared with other vehicles and similar information can be received from other vehicles to provide a distributed network for generating and sharing experienced traffic patterns. The information can also be used to predict traffic patterns as well.

Abstract: This invention is a vehicle monitor for avoiding interference between vehicles, etc., without incurring cost increases for deploying auxiliary equipment at a wide-area site, while imposing only low loads on communication lines and monitoring stations, without impairing safety, and while realizing high flexibility for modifications of planned travelling paths. This system can also cope with various forms of interference which can occur throughout the entire planned travelling paths. In the system of the present invention, transceiver devices are provided in the monitoring station and in a plurality of vehicles, respectively, for sending and receiving position data and directive data between the monitoring station and the plurality of vehicles, using a communication system wherewith radio-communication is possible over the distances between the monitoring station and the plurality of vehicles.