Abstract: A navigation system includes a display device displaying, on a cockpit pilot display unit, a set of indications including an aircraft symbol which illustrates the position of the aircraft and a map part which represents the airport and moves in relation to the aircraft symbol according to the current position of the aircraft in the airport, the aircraft symbol fixed on the cockpit pilot display unit in a centered position in a standard display. The system also has an actuating unit for deactivating the standard display to enable the aircraft symbol to be displaced on the cockpit pilot display unit, and an actuating unit for controlling a temporary displacement of the set of indications on the cockpit pilot display unit such that the aircraft symbol displayed moves away from the centered position.

Abstract: A tracking and guidance system is provided. The system comprises a first device configured to transmit a location of the first device. The system further comprises a second device configured to receive the location from the first device, to display the location on a common map view, to receive inputs comprising a drawn directional data and a verbal directional data, and to transmit the drawn and verbal directional data to the first device, wherein the drawn and verbal directional data is received by the first device and the drawn directional data is displayed on the common map view displayed by the first device.

Abstract: A portable navigation device where a map being displayed on a display section is fixed by performing map stop operation at a portable navigation terminal where an appropriate map is selected and displayed so as to correspond to the speed of movement. A portable navigation terminal (10) has speed detecting means (104) for detecting the speed of movement of the terminal, a map data request/acquisition section (105) for requesting, according to the movement speed detected by the speed detecting mean, different kinds of map data to an information distributing server and acquiring the map data, and an operation section (16) having a map stop button for stopping, at a desired time point during the movement, change in the kind of map displayed on display means. The portable navigation terminal (10) further has manual scroll means (164), a zoom-in button (162), and a zoom-out button (163) that have the function of the map stop button.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamic content design, delivery and distribution software architecture that enables a centrally located designer, using a graphical interface, to create, edit, manage, and organize a matrix of trigger points that are plotted on a computerized map of geographical space. Each of these trigger points may be tagged with content, which is then relayed to a dynamic client device that is remotely located. The client device then displays the content to a remote user in a manner predetermined by the centrally located designer, the content varying based on feedback provided by the client device. The system and methods disclosed enable a centrally located designer to assume the role of an automated tour designer. As such, designers can compile a variety of different tours, each aimed at users with particular preferences. The architecture further offers a means to publish tour scripts for public consumption.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a plurality of electronic detection devices for detecting and making available vehicle-related information items, wherein the vehicle-related information items relate to various areas or components outside or inside the motor vehicle; a display unit for displaying the vehicle-related information items; an operator control device for detecting an operator control action; and a control unit. The control unit is configured and coupled with the detection devices, the display unit and the operator control device such that in a first display operating state, first vehicle-related information items and a first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. In a second display operating state, second vehicle-related information items and a second graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. The first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, is larger than the second.

Abstract: An accurate global positioning system having a receiver, a display screen, an input device, having capabilities for visual calibration of the system is disclosed. Further methods of operating that system are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features a user interface device for controlling a car multimedia system that preferably includes a remote touchpad unit, a display unit displaying various kinds of modes of a multimedia system in accordance with a three-dimensional signal received from the remote touchpad unit, and a control unit controlling to operate the multimedia system in accordance with the three-dimensional signal provided from the remote touchpad unit. According to the user interface device, it is possible to manipulate a multimedia system by a three-dimensional interaction using a remote touchpad unit to improve the utility. Accordingly, the danger of accident and the driver's loading can be suitably reduced.

Abstract: An aircraft communications system is located on an aircraft. The aircraft communications system comprises a set of eyewear units, an aircraft data processing system, and a wireless system. Each eyewear unit has a set of sensors and a display. The set of eyewear units is capable of receiving user input and is capable of presenting information to a set of users of the set of eyewear units. The aircraft data processing system is capable of receiving the user input and sending the information to the set of eyewear units in response to receiving the user input from the set of eyewear units. The wireless system is located proximate to the cabin of the aircraft and is capable of sending the user input from the set of eyewear units to the aircraft data processing system and sending the information to the set of eyewear units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the graphical selection of objects. A selection indicator, one or more object indicators, and a position indicator are presented on a display. The selection indicator may be manipulated to indicate object indicators by rotating the selection indicator until an object indicators is within the area of the selection indicator and to select an object indicator which has been indicated. The selection indicator may be rotated so a portion overlaps with the location occupied by a portion prior to rotation. A menu indicator is also presented on the display. The menu indicator comprises a selector icon and a list of representations of the object indicators indicated by selection indicator. The selector icon may be manipulated to indicate a single representation of an object indicator and to select the object indicator represented by the representation of the indicated object indicator.

Abstract: A map information processing apparatus includes a map information storage unit (15) for storing map information, a map update information storage unit (8) for storing one or more pieces of map update information (30 to 32) used for updating yet-to-be-updated map information, a map update information selection unit (19) for selecting one or more pieces of map update information required to update the map information stored in the map information storage unit (15) from the one or more pieces of map update information stored in the map update information storage unit, and a map information updating unit (20) for updating the map information stored in the map information storage unit (15) by applying the one or more pieces of map update information selected by the map update information selection unit to the map information one by one in order of updating.

Abstract: Coordinate based vehicle navigation services are provided using text based traffic route information and associated coordinate data received from an off-vehicle source. Traffic route information indicative of a traffic route from an initial location to a destination may be received. The traffic route information may lack geographic coordinate data defining the traffic route. A way-point along the traffic route may be determined based on the traffic route information. Way-point information defining the way-point along the traffic route may be sent to an off-vehicle information provider. The way-point information may lack geographic coordinate data defining the way-point. Way-point geographic coordinate information defining the way-point may be received and the traffic route information may be associated with the way-point geographic coordinate information.

Abstract: A map display apparatus that displays a map includes: a display device; a touch panel disposed over a screen at the display device; and a control device that controls display at the display device with a signal input from the touch panel, and: the control device displays at the display device a map and a plurality of buttons used to adjust a scaling factor of the map, makes a decision as to whether or not the touch panel has been pressed at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of buttons, makes a decision as to whether or not a finger having pressed the touch panel has been moved to a specific position and displays, together with the map, a wide-area map at a scaling factor smaller than the scaling factor of the map if the finger having pressed the touch panel is judged to have been moved to the specific position.

Abstract: Based on a transfer request from a portable terminal though an input operation or communication, a two-dimensional code is generated, the code containing information of a scale rate of map information for guidance displayed on the in-vehicle terminal and a current position of a vehicle. The two-dimensional code is displayed on a terminal display unit together with a region of the map information corresponding to a region to be displayed on the portable terminal. When the portable terminal captures the two-dimensional code with an image pickup unit, the portable terminal recognizes the scale rate and the current position with a code analyzer, receives a region of the map information corresponding to the scale rate and containing at least the current position from the server unit and displays the information on the portable terminal display unit.

Abstract: A multi-function navigation system provides an electronic map to guide the user to destinations and provides information of scenic spots stored in an electronic book. The navigation system includes: a scenic spot information searching module for searching scenic spots within the selected scope of electronic map and identifying the scenic spots included in the electronic book; a traveling information note module for providing a interface to the electronic book of the scenic spots including the electronic book; and a display module for displaying the electronic map and marks of the interface linking to the electronic book of the scenic spots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows a user to input a tentative destination which is proximate to an intended destination when the address data for the intended destination is not found in the map database. The method includes the steps of allowing a user to specifying an intended destination in the navigation system and searching address data for the intended destination, notifying the user that the address data is not found in the map database, selecting a method for inputting data indicating a tentative destination which is considered proximate to the intended destination, allowing the user to specify the tentative destination through the selected input method, and determining a location of the tentative destination and detecting address data indicating the location of the tentative destination.

Abstract: In a map display device, a viewing angle for a three-dimensional road map can be changed horizontally on a screen so that the three-dimensional road map is generated at a standard viewing angle (45°) up to a wide viewing angle (90°). At this time, the viewing angle is changed based on a reference line passing through a current position of a subject vehicle where the map display device is mounted.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and a driving direction guiding method are capable of clearly indicating a correct direction in which a vehicle should be driven at an exit when the vehicle exits a parking area through the exit. When a position measurement unit detects that the vehicle has entered a parking area based on measured position information, a CPU clearly indicates, on a display, a correct direction in which the vehicle should be driven at an exit of the parking area so that a user can know in advance the correct direction in which to drive his/her vehicle after passing through the exit of the parking area.

Abstract: In an electronic device, in particular a navigation device, having operator-input devices and communications devices for exchanging data with an external, central computer, at least one operator-input device is assigned a function for sending a specific input-identification code uniquely assigned to the electronic device and to the respective operator-input device, or for sending function data assigned to the input-identification code, to the external, central computer for executing the at least one function defined by the input-identification code and the function data.

Abstract: A wireless communication system in a vehicle includes a wireless communication link in the vehicle with a mobile accessory that is a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle. The wireless communication link may be operable to carry information useful to the driver of the vehicle via at least one of (a) a PUSH communication protocol whereby information is communicated to the driver and (b) a PULL communication protocol whereby information is communicated to the driver in response to a driver selection.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying map information on a portable computing device. When approaching a location at which maneuvering guidance is to be provided by the portable computing device, the portable computing device presents alternating images on a display screen. The alternating images include an overhead view map image and either a perspective view map image or a stylized image. The stylized image can be either a 2D image or a 3D image.

Abstract: A method of providing courtesy notifications from a mobile vehicle including receiving courtesy notification user input at a vehicle telematics unit, receiving a time and a date at the telematics unit, determining whether the courtesy date and the courtesy time correspond respectively to the received date and the received time and initiating a call to the courtesy number based on the determination. The courtesy notification user input includes a courtesy date, a courtesy time, a courtesy location and a courtesy number.

Abstract: In an image control system, with a reactive force on an input device that controls a pointer in a display, a bilateral communication of a pointing device can prevent a sense of discomfort while the system is used by an operator. When a screen image is switched from an image A to an image B, the pointing device activates the reactive force data for the image B after a predetermined amount of time based on the type or the amount of the image data of the screen image B. This enables the application of the reactive force for the image B in synchronization with generation of the screen image B, and thus gives an appropriate reactive force to the input portion of the pointing device when the screen images are being replaced from the image A to the image B.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for zooming image proportion of a mobile electronic apparatus, wherein the mobile electronic apparatus includes an accelerated displacement detector and a display screen and, when the mobile electronic apparatus is moved, the accelerated displacement detector will detect the physical properties of the movement of the mobile electronic apparatus, and then the mobile electronic apparatus will zoom an image displayed on the display screen to a certain proportion according to the physical properties. Thus, the operation of zooming in or out the image on the display screen can easily be achieved by moving the mobile electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A computer-implemented wayfinding system and method, wherein the system includes an interconnected network of computer entities capable of transmitting and receiving audio and visual outputs and inputs to users in order to guide them through an environment. In one aspect of the wayfinding system, a series of kiosks are interconnected, with at least one kiosk being capable of printing a barcode that provides destination information inputted by the user. The kiosks may be located at designated locations of the environment, so that a user searching for his or her destination may scan their barcode, and the kiosk will provide audio and visual directions to the destination. The kiosks know their designated locations in the environment, and thus, may provide the most direct route to any other point in the environment.

Abstract: A customizable remote transceiver for communicating with a vehicle control system is provided. A customizable remote transceiver for communicating with a vehicle control system comprises: a first input for receiving a first command; a second input for receiving a second command; a processor for generating a control signal based on one of the first and second commands; a transmitter for transmitting the control signal to the vehicle control system; a receiver for receiving a response to the control signal from the vehicle control system; and a display comprising a display area for displaying a representation of one of the first and second commands and of the response transmitted from the vehicle control system, wherein the display area is customizable according to a user preference.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a map display device that makes full use of historic records of the input addresses of previously retrieved points, thereby simplifying the process for inputting an address of a point near a previously retrieved point and thereby facilitating easy point retrieval. The map display device for retrieving a point at an input address and for displaying a map that covers the retrieved point includes storage means for storing historic records of the input addresses of the previously retrieved points in a hierarchy of administrative district levels, and a control means for displaying an input page through which an address is input on an administrative hierarchical basis as well as for displaying an administrative district name of a previously retrieved point as a hierarchy of administrative levels or item fields.

Abstract: When a control circuit extracts data of an entity corresponding to a phone number, the control circuit retrieves phone numbers that accord, with respect to lower seven digits of a phone number, with the inputted phone number from among phone numbers included in retrieval data. After the entity having the phone number corresponding to the inputted phone number is extracted, a map including the entity extracted is displayed based on the position information of the entity extracted. Accordingly, even when the area code of the phone number is changed, the map including the corresponding entity can be displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting an interactive visual feedback, based upon input parameters, indicating quality levels in terminal location detection in a network at selectable points on a map. The system and method includes an application in which a user provides information regarding network terminals, terminal locations, and map parameters. In response, the application then provides a visual indication of expected accuracy in geo-location calculations for terminals at specific points in a network map.

Abstract: As the name of a given road is inputted, intersecting roads that share nodes such as an intersecting, merging, or branching point with the given road are designated. From the given road's nodes shared by the designated intersecting roads, the nearest node to the present position is displayed along with its peripheral map. A portion of the given road that is far from the present position is thereby prevented from being displayed along with its peripheral map. This can eliminate additional manipulation such as changing a reduction scale of the displayed map or repeatedly scrolling the displayed map till an objective point is being displayed. As a result, operationality can be enhanced in designating a point such as an objective point by using a name of a road.

Abstract: A map image display device is configured and arranged to improve operability by enabling a map image of a location distant from a currently displayed map image to be appropriately displayed with a simple operation. The map image display device displays names that are subject to a user's input command superimposed on a map image, and, if one of the displayed names is specified, switches the map image to be displayed to a map image in the vicinity of the specified name. At this time, the map image display device selects as the name to be superimposed on the map image at least one distant map name that is not included in the map image to be displayed, and displays that selected distant map name superimposed in the map image peripheral part corresponding to the bearing from the center of the map image to be displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a detailed map of a selected area of a displayed map received through a network are provided. If a detailed map of a particular area is requested by a user, data on the detailed map for the particular area is provided by a map provider server through a network and combined with data on the original map. A map including maps drawn to two different scales is displayed on a display device, i.e., the original map is continuously displayed while only the particular area is replaced by the detailed map. Therefore, the readability of the map is improved, and desired geographical information can be easily obtained.

Abstract: An electronic device is built including a memory, a processor, and a display. The processor is configured to calculate an array of estimated travel time data from a first location to a plurality of locations within a destination area from a set of situational parameters and a set of user parameters. These situational parameters may include data such as: the location, condition, and speed limits of roads and paths; the availability of public transportation; terrain information such as elevation, slope, the presence of trails and vegetation; and weather information such as wind speed and precipitation. User parameters may include data such as: the user's mode of transportation, the user's physical abilities, and the load the user is carrying.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for managing traffic-relevant events in a vehicle-based navigation system. A traffic information database, which can be updated by the driver in particular through prioritized driver queries initiated by the system concerning the traffic situation is managed in the navigation system. Thus observations made by the driver during his trip can be stored in the database as traffic information and used for updated route planning.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system for specifying the destination easily and quickly. The navigation system is designed to enable a user to quickly select a street name and easily specify the address number of the destination through a map image of the selected street. The navigation system includes a menu for changing a keyboard screen or other input screen to a map screen showing the image of the selected street. A user can find a location of the destination on the image of the selected street. Various display methods are provided to promote quick and easy operations for finding the location on the selected street. When there are two or more streets having same street name with different street types or street prefixes, the navigation system displays selection means for a user to select one of the streets.

Abstract: A navigation method and system having a unique key arrangement in which a minimum number of keys is incorporated for operations of a navigation system such as map scroll or map zoom in/out. Such key arrangement is configured by three buttons and is formed on a steering wheel of a vehicle or on a panel of a portable navigation system. The key arrangement performs at least an enter key function and an up/down key function. The key arrangement changes a current status of the navigation system to either a map scroll mode or a map zoom mode and scrolls a map image in a selected direction or sets a zoom scale of the map image.

Abstract: A wireless device displays a view of location data to a user. The location data includes readily recognizable features in a geographical area, such as a geographical map or a list of cities, neighborhoods, businesses, intersections, streets, or landmarks. A user selects a particular location data from the view and the selected location data is displayed in more detail. The process of selecting particular location data and displaying that location data in more detail continues until a location can be specified from the displayed view.

Abstract: A navigation system executes a portable mode for guiding a person when a GPS antenna is connected with it and a speed signal has not been inputted for ten seconds or more. The portable mode enables a predetermined function being nonfunctional in an in-vehicle mode for guiding a vehicle while it disables a predetermined function being functional in the in-vehicle mode. It furthermore modifies, for the portable mode, a predetermined function set in the in-vehicle mode. The navigation system can thereby utilize functions suitable for guiding a person-guiding instead of guiding a vehicle, which effect enhances usability of the system.

Abstract: A navigation system executes a portable mode for guiding a person when a GPS antenna is connected with it and a speed signal has not been inputted for ten seconds or more. The portable mode enables a predetermined function being nonfunctional in an in-vehicle mode for guiding a vehicle while it disables a predetermined function being functional in the in-vehicle mode. It furthermore modifies, for the portable mode, a predetermined function set in the in-vehicle mode. The navigation system can thereby utilize functions suitable for guiding a person-guiding instead of guiding a vehicle, which effect enhances usability of the system.

Abstract: A display system able to display a television screen and a navigation screen, giving due consideration to safe vehicle operation, provided with a screen switching unit for displaying a television screen instead of a navigation screen at least at part of a display screen during display of the navigation screen, a switching instructing unit for instructing switching to the screen switching unit when detecting that a predetermined event has occurred, or a screen area setting unit for setting a specific area in the screen for display by switching by the screen switching unit instead of the switching instructing unit.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a map matching module and a voice recognition module. When the voice recognition module recognizes a user's voice input specifying an exit of a parking garage, the map matching module sets a current position of a vehicle to the specified position on a map. When the voice recognition module recognizes “high,” which indicates a elevated road, the current position is set onto the elevated road on the map. Likewise, the current position is set to a specific position on the map when the voice recognition module recognizes a user's voice input specifying a correct current position.

Abstract: When a car navigation unit receives a remotely inputted command transmitted from a personal digital assistant (PDA), the remotely inputted command is interpreted to generate display data. The display data is transmitted to the PDA.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for a navigation device allows a user to make a voice recording in association with a vehicle location. The current location of the vehicle is determined by a GPS sensor. The location of the vehicle at the time of the recording is indicated by a mark on a displayed map of the surroundings, and the time at which the recording was made is displayed. Also, if a telephone is connected to the navigation system, the navigation system records and stores calls. The location of the vehicle at the time of a call is displayed on a map with a mark. The navigation system plays the recording when the vehicle operator selects the mark.

Abstract: An intersection search apparatus includes: a map information retrieve unit to retrieve map information; an input unit to specify a road to be searched and/or intersection-related information on a facility and/or a featuring object from roads included in the map information; an intersection search unit to search an intersection which exists on the road to be searched and specified by the input unit and to which the facility and/or the featuring object of the specified intersection-related information are adjacent from the map; and an output unit to output the intersection information related to the intersection search by the intersection search unit.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system for specifying the destination easily and quickly. The navigation system is designed to enable a user to quickly select a street name and easily specify the address number of the destination through a map image of the selected street. The navigation system includes a menu for changing a keyboard screen or other input screen to a map screen showing the image of the selected street. A user can find a location of the destination on the image of the selected street. Various display methods are provided to promote quick and easy operations for finding the location on the selected street. When there are two or more streets having same street name with different street types or street prefixes, the navigation system displays selection means for a user to select one of the streets.

Abstract: A steering system for mobile unit has a steering section 200 for steering a mobile unit having an operation section 210 on a part thereof, and a control section 240 for enabling the mobile unit to be steered, when the steering section 200 is set at a first installed position, and enabling the operation section 210 to make an operation on the device, when the steering section 200 is set at a second installed position.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle includes a vehicle-based telematics system, a vehicle-based global positioning system and a control. The telematics system is operable to receive a user input from a driver of the vehicle and to download directional information from an external service provider to the control in response to the user input and an initial geographic position of the vehicle. The directional information comprises at least two instructions with each of the instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location. The control is operable to provide an output corresponding to each of the instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle. The control is operable to provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with the instruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation system for guiding users, in particular drivers of vehicles, to a destination having a route computer (10) which determines a route, in particular a driving route, from a starting position and to a destination position and transmits it to a destination guidance unit (15) which in accordance with the route or driving route determined issues guidance directions to the user as a function of the user's current position at the time and having a user identification unit (17) which transmits a user identification signal designating the user is question to a destination input unit (11) which from current time and user position data and from user-specific information establishes a destination position for the determination of a route, in particular a driving route.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a cursor on the display of a computer comprising a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member concentrically engaging the first cylindrical member and coupled thereon for both rotational relative movement and translational relative movement. A detector is provided for sensing this relative movement and providing signals representative thereof to a computer for controlling the position of a cursor on the display. This apparatus is especially suitable for use on a vehicle carrying an onboard computer and could, for example, be mounted on the steering post of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a navigation component (2), which includes a memory (4, 5, ?) for geographic data and a processor (8) for generating navigation information from the geographic data, and the system also includes a mobile phone (1) as a user interface for inputting requests to the navigation component and for displaying navigation information furnished by the navigation component (2).

Abstract: An integrated data collection system which automates the collection of timber cruise data. A navigation system is integrated with a data collection system so that real-time positional data is fed directly into the data collection system. The invention guides a forester along a pre-defined cruise route and alerts the forester when a destination point is reached. The forester is then prompted to initiate a data collection cycle. Position data, cruise grid data (such as plot number), and other information is then automatically transferred from the navigation system to the data collection system. When the forester then inputs tree data (such as height, diameter, etc.), that data is automatically linked to the positional and cruise grid data transferred from the navigation system.