Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for recommending locations keyed to a map database system and providing navigation instructions to the recommended locations to a driver of a vehicle by gathering actual statistics about the preferences of the user and/or by comparing the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population.

Abstract: Navigation of an aircraft is facilitated through the displaying on a map of an over flown region, and of the limits of zones within range of the aircraft in an emergency situation. The points of the zones within range of the aircraft are tagged on the basis of: an estimate of the vertical margins to reach these points, taking into account non-maneuverability zones neighboring the aircraft to be circumvented; a vertical flight profile to be complied with; and a safety height margin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation system in which that navigation system shows a configuration of a complicated intersection a driver is about to enter, and displays where to turn and a progression rate of the car on the path the driver is headed to. The navigation system comprises a Gyro sensor for detecting a rotation angle of the car; and route information from the Gyro sensor to generate the configuration of an intersection the user is supposed to enter and an arrow indicating a driving route to the user, and to display a progression rate of the car along the route; a display driving unit for displaying the configuration of the intersection and the arrow for route guidance, and a gradual progression rate of the car is indicated in the directional arrow.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for providing traffic route visualization. An electronic map device creates a map that is displayable at a user display of a user interface. The map is created through the access of a traffic image data base and a traffic information data base. Information stored at the data bases is obtained in a collaborative effort to provide and maintain updated information thereat. Images stored at the image data base comprise actual image files or photo realistic images that are consolidated together with traffic information. The resultant map is of characteristics permitting quick comprehension by a viewer thereof.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying video on a computing device for navigation and other purposes. A map database developer collects video data. The video data is collected by traveling along roads in a geographic area and storing the video data along with data indicating the positions at which the video data had been captured. This captured video data is then used in navigation systems and other devices that provide navigation, routing, video games, or other features. An application forms a video that shows a turn at an intersection from a first road onto a second road. The application adds video that depicts travel away from the intersection along the second road to video that depicts travel into the intersection along the first road to form a composite video that shows a turn at the intersection from the first road onto the second road. The composite video is then presented to a user on a display.

Abstract: An electronic device configured to be carried on a user's person is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle. The electronic device utilizes node location data provided by at least one local wireless node and vehicle location information provided by the vehicle. The electronic device includes a network receiver and a controller coupled thereto. The network receiver is configured to receive the node location data from the at least one local wireless node. The controller is configured to store the vehicle location information, to estimate the location of the electronic device from the received node location data, and to determine the position of the vehicle relative to the electronic device.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting boundary crossings may involve the use of rectangles that approximate a boundary. Data defining the rectangles may be retrieved, and a current location of a monitored device may be identified. The current location may be compared with the rectangles, and a determination that the current location is located within a rectangle may indicate a boundary crossing. To simplify the calculations on the monitored device, certain calculations may be performed in advance. For example, an angle between a selected side of a particular rectangle and an axis of the coordinate system may be determined, and the particular rectangle may be rotated by the angle to orient the rotated rectangle parallel to the axis of the coordinate system. Subsequently, location coordinates for a monitored device may be rotated and compared with a corresponding rotated rectangle to determine whether the monitored device is located within the particular rectangle.

Abstract: A navigation system with a function of one-touch map matching correction, and a method thereof. The navigation system includes a GPS module for receiving each position signal, and measuring self position and driving direction; a map database for storing map data; a storage unit for storing a candidate designation index, road information, a guidance stop flag, a flag activating a map-matching correction button, and voice data for road sequence guidance; a display unit for displaying the map data, activating or deactivating the map-matching correction button, and generating a coordinate value of a position; and a controller for indexing the parallel roads, generating a candidate road array, activating the map-matching correction button, and sequentially selecting candidate roads while performing the map matching correction.

Abstract: A map display system includes a first map image generating section configured to generate a first map image, a second map image generating section configured to generate a second map image larger in scale than the first map image at intervals lower than intervals which the first map image is generated at, a first display device configured to display a first composite map image generated by overlaying, on the first map image generated by the first map image generating section, a first mark image indicating a current position and a traveling direction of a moving object, a second display device configured to display a second composite map image generated by overlaying, on the second map image generated by the second map image generating section, a second mark image indicating the current position and the traveling direction of the moving object.

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: A development environment makes it easier to develop and use location aware software applications. Combining the currently separate and complex tasks of location information gathering, analysis, and display and making them integrated such that non-experts can build location services into their applications increases a developer's capability to write rich location-aware software applications. A higher level programming model allows a programmer to use location information as a logical entity rather than just raw location data, such as latitude and longitude. A location data store and map data store may be accessed by different location aware applications on the device. Instead of each location application relying on its own data store, applications may share their location related information.

Abstract: A navigation aid device for use when a predetermined route is followed, said route extending from a starting point along a series of break points up to a destination being the last break point. The device comprises an elongated course indication unit extending on either side of a fixed center point and indicating any necessary course adjustments by displacing an appearance pattern to the left or to the right relative the center point. A distance indication unit indicates how far it is up to the next break point. A central area in the appearance pattern is shown relatively wide in the course indication unit when greater course deviations can be tolerated, and is shown narrower when the course must be kept more precisely.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting images in a vehicle as the vehicle rotates about a rotation axis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a signal receiving portion that receives a first signal corresponding to an image of a first view from a position located a first distance from the rotation axis. A signal processing portion directs to a signal display portion located a second distance from the rotation axis, a time varying second signal that represents a second view. The second view can be a portion of the first view and can occupy an area less than the area occupied by the first view. The location of the second area relative to the first area can be selected based at least on an amount by which the first and second distances differ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear seat multimedia system within a motor vehicle. A display is movable between a position in which the display extends downwardly from the headliner so as to be viewable by a rear seat passenger, and a retracted position against the headliner. A motor is provided for moving the display, at least from the extended position to the retracted position. The vehicle has a sensor for sensing when the vehicle is to be driven in reverse, and the display unit is operatively linked to this sensor. When the display is extended and the reversing condition is sensed, the display is automatically moved to the retracted position to improve rearward visibility for the driver.

Abstract: In condition-dependent icon generation for a vehicular information terminal, a strength of a signal indicative of vehicle location information is measured, a road speed limit is determined based upon the vehicle location information, and vehicle speed information is received. Indicators are selected based upon the strength of the signal, the road speed limit, and the vehicle speed information, an icon is generated based upon the selected indicators, and the icon is displayed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for automatically adjusting the output of presentation content based upon vehicle conditions. The method determines whether one of a plurality of vehicle conditions exists, such as conditions related to vehicle speed, rate of change in vehicle speed, rate of change in vehicle direction, vehicle emergencies, cellular phone or headphone activation, radar detector activation, noise level decibels above a certain value, etc. The method determines an output format based on the determined vehicle conditions. The method outputs at least a portion of the presentation content based on the determined output format. The determined output format includes display format information, such as text font or icon size information or map detail. The presentation content can also include audio content.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and a map matching method are provided. An acceleration sensor detects an acceleration of the vehicle. A gradient determination section determines an angle of inclination of the road link being currently traveled or a value corresponding to the inclination angle. A gradient determination section determines a vertical distance traveled based on the inclination angle and the speed of the vehicle. The accumulated value of the vertical distance is then compared to a set value to determine whether a road link is a downgrade link or an upgrade link. A map matching processor performs map matching processing using a result of the determination and the gradient information.

Abstract: An image display whereby one can extremely easily know the current position of one's own vehicle and also grasp the actual situation around the current position of the vehicle, and with which the user gets highly satisfied. The image display includes a display device to display a photo picture on a prescribed reduced scale which is prepared based on photo data on a first scale that is read from a storage device in which photo data of two or more types in different scales to one area is stored, and a display switching device to conduct display switching according to a user's command to a photo picture on another reduced scale which is prepared based on photo data in a second scale that is different from the first scale.

Abstract: A navigation system is designed to scale a map image such that a redrawn map image shows an icon of the most relevant object at a center of a cursor when the scale of the map image is changed so that the user will not lose sight of the most relevant object such as an icon showing a destination. The navigation system prioritizes an icon representing a particular object based on a predetermined priority order and changes the position of the map image so that the icon of the highest priority comes to the center of the cursor when the map scale is changed. Thus, the icon of the highest priority always remains at the center of the cursor, thereby preventing from loosing the sight of the icon of the highest priority when zooming in the map image.

Abstract: A location-based caching system provides the ability for a mobile communication device to dynamically provide content related to a user's location. Content may comprise a series of map segments that anticipate the route traveled by a user of the mobile device. Other related content may also be provided, for example, point of interest information related to the route traveled. The system tracks a present location of the mobile device and predicts a future location of the mobile device. Based upon the prediction of future location, the caching module determines whether content related to the future location is presently stored on the mobile device. If appropriate content is not on the mobile device, the caching module retrieves the content from a content server via a network connection. The content information nay be contextually selected based upon, for example, user preferences, movement information, and device state information.

Abstract: A display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. The display screen includes at least one region of a select color designated to convey a first set of information and a plurality of adjustable areas designated to convey a second set of information. The plurality of adjustable areas overlay at least a portion of the at least one region of select color of the first set of information. Moreover, each adjustable area is defined by an outline and a color encased in the outline.

Abstract: A remotely-activated vehicle priority system includes a control center, a vehicle-priority communication device, at least one receiver, and a phase selector. The control center transmits an activation message. The vehicle-priority communication device is mounted to a vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the control center. In response to the activation message, the vehicle-priority communication device transmits a priority preemption request. Transmission of the priority preemption request in response to the activation message prevents improper activation, either intentional or unintentional, of the vehicle priority system by an operator of the vehicle. The receiver is situated at a traffic signal and receives the priority preemption request. The phase selector issues, responsive to the priority preemption request, a command to a controller of the traffic signal. The command selects a phase for the traffic signal.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device having a route guiding function of guiding a route by obtaining map information from a server system via a radio communication network includes: a position detecting unit which detects a current position of the mobile terminal device; a bearing detecting unit which detects a first bearing to which the mobile terminal device is directed; a target bearing calculating unit which calculates a second bearing from a current position to the destination; a displaying unit which displays a map based on the acquired map information on a section containing the destination and the current position, displays icon images at a position of the destination and the current position respectively, and displays an icon image indicating the first bearing; and a target capturing unit which produces a sound effect in response to a difference between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a refresh rate of a dynamic billboard. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: obtaining traffic flow information; and determining the refresh rate of the dynamic billboard based on the traffic flow information.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus of the present invention having a position detection unit and a display unit further includes a geographic information storage unit for storing three-dimensional terrain shape information, an attitude detection unit for detecting the attitude of the terminal apparatus, and an image creation unit for obtaining information on a vector vertical to the display unit based on information on the attitude obtained by the attitude detection unit and creating a three-dimensional terrain image at a viewpoint using a current position obtained by the position detection unit, information on a line-of-sight defined by the information on the vector, and the three-dimensional terrain shape information in the geographic information storage unit. When the attitude of the terminal apparatus is changed, the three-dimensional terrain image on the display unit is updated, following a change in the attitude of the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying video on a computing device for navigation and other purposes. A map database developer collects video data. The video data is collected by traveling along roads in a geographic area and storing the video data along with data indicating the positions at which the video data had been captured. This captured video data is then used in navigation systems and other devices that provide navigation, routing, video games, or other features. An application forms a video that shows a turn at an intersection from a first road onto a second road. The application adds video that depicts travel away from the intersection along the second road to video that depicts travel into the intersection along the first road to form a composite video that shows a turn at the intersection from the first road onto the second road. The composite video is then presented to a user on a display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing map data for a vehicle using a navigation system, wherein upon display of the map data, memory loading for the display of the map data can be quickly performed by reducing the number of access to a physical storage medium with an entire map stored therein. To this end, when a travel guide map is generated again based on a new location as the position of a vehicle varies, only a certain number of map segments are retrieved from a physical storage medium such as a CD-ROM to generate the travel guide map, thereby making map-displaying speed faster. Further, when the travel guide map is generated again based on the new location as the position of the vehicle varies, map data loading speed can be faster by preventing reusable map segments among map segments loaded on an operation memory from being unnecessarily deleted, retrieved again from the physical storage medium and inserted into the operation memory.

Abstract: A display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. In one embodiment, an aviation display screen includes a main window and a plurality of miniature windows. The main window is adapted to illustrate one set of information. Each miniature window is adapted to display a set of avionic information. The avionic display is further adapted to toggle a select set of avionic information in one of the miniature windows into the main window.

Abstract: A vehicle driver guarding system using a vehicle telematics service and a control method thereof are provided. The vehicle driver guarding system includes: a vehicle telematics system for receiving a final destination, calculating a final destination arrival expectation time, notifying a central information center of the calculated expectation time through a mobile communication system, receiving a vehicle driver guard confirmation message from the central information center, and transmitting a response message to the received confirmation message, to the central information center; and the central information center being notified of the expectation time, transmitting the vehicle driver guard confirmation message to the vehicle telematics system when the notified expectation time lapses and then a preset time lapses, and performing a vehicle driver guarding function upon non-reception of the response message within the preset time.

Abstract: There are provided a point search apparatus and an in-vehicle navigation apparatus capable of searching destination candidates from which a user can view a visual target that he/she desires. A search means is formed so as to search destination candidates from which the user can see a visual target specified by visual target specifying means based on information regarding the three-dimensional position of the visual target and information regarding the three-dimensional position of a point that fulfills a search condition determined by a search condition determining means, and which exists around the visual target.

Abstract: A car navigation system by which a user can easily grasp a drop-in target in the course of a route. In a summary road map displayed in a two- or one-window display representation, contents of a two-dimensional road map is properly selected and simplified, roads are made linear, roads connected to an intersection are made orthogonal so that the user can easily see it, the position of a vehicle is expressed by a mark, and even the running route is expressed with a predetermined color or the like. Accordingly, the system offers the user such a display form as able to easily refer to. When the user specifies a target at which the user wants to drop in, the drop-in target is displayed at a corresponding position on the summary road map in the form of a land mark.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus senses without failing an object which exists in a traveling direction of itself even when a pedestrian is moving while looking at a screen on which information is displayed. The mobile apparatus having the screen comprises an object detector part 17 which exits within a predetermined range centered around the traveling direction of itself, an acceleration detector part 16 and the detection range changing means for changing a range in which the object detector part 17 detects the existence of an object, the traveling direction of itself is calculated based on acceleration of itself, and based on thus calculated traveling direction of itself, the detection range changing means changes the range in which the object detector part 17 detects the existence of an object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for associating and displaying qualitative information with points of interest in a graphical map. In one embodiment, a method comprises the computer-implemented steps of displaying a geographical map; displaying in the map, concurrently, icons identifying one or more points of interest at graphical locations in the map corresponding to geographical locations of the points of interest; and concurrently displaying, over the map, for each of the points of interest, qualitative information associated with the associated point of interest. Each of the points of interest is associated with one or more datasets, and different qualitative information is displayed for different datasets.

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: Disclosed is a mobile communication device for searching data based on a rotation angle. The mobile communication device includes a body; a geomagnetic sensor for detecting a rotation angle of the body based on an axis perpendicular to the earth surface; a main memory for storing an image corresponding to the rotation angle; a display unit for displaying the image on a screen; and a control unit for, if the rotation angle detected in the geomagnetic sensor is changed, extracting an image corresponding to the changed rotation angle from the main memory and controlling the display unit to display the image. With this technology, data can be searched conveniently without manipulating keys many times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for compressing data of position information such as a road on a digital map in order to realize an accurate transmission of the position information in a small volume of data. A shape vector of an object road segment is resampled, and as this occurs, a sampling point is represented by quantized angle information. By selecting preferably the sampling point and an angle resolution of the quantized angle information, an error in position information can be reduced.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, methods, and systems for computer tactical operation are provided. First computer program code to facilitate a communication with a remote station. Second computer program code to identify from the communication a position of the remote station associated with the communication. Third computer program code to present a map of an area around the position and display a symbol on the map representing the position. Fourth computer program code to present a message interface showing at least a portion of additional content of the communication associated with the position.

Abstract: A vehicular navigation device for presenting a navigation content by continuing a predetermined inputting operation for navigation till the last step even if the used state changes. The navigation device comprises a presentation unit (6) for presenting a navigation content, a manual input unit (3) for receiving a plurality of inputting operations, a speech input unit (4) for receiving a speech input operation substantially identical to that of the manual input unit (3), a database (5) stored with data necessary for navigation, and a control unit (2) for providing the navigation content to the presentation unit (6) by searching the database (5) according to the inputting operation from the manual input unit (3) or the speech input unit (4).

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 map image display apparatus for displaying a map image with at least one name for entering a command to change the map image, and switching the displayed map image, when accepting the command with the name designated, to a map image in a vicinity of the designated name. The apparatus includes a defined region storage device which stores information of a name-defined region indicated by the name, a center position thereof, and a display scale enabling displaying substantially the whole name-defined region within one screen; and a display target determination device which determines a map image to be displayed at the display scale with the center position of the name-defined region taken as a display center, referring to the stored information.

Abstract: An information and/or control system for a vehicle includes a positioning unit for determining a current geographic position of the vehicle, a map unit containing information at least regarding routes on which the vehicle may travel, and an interface unit for selective output of information from the map unit as a function of the current geographic position. Furthermore, information, referred to as a virtual traffic sign, regarding properties of a section of a drivable route is stored in the map unit in correlation with a geographic position along this route. This information is outputable by the interface unit when the distance of the vehicle from this geographic position is less than a limit value.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system provides information relating to a list of intersections or other points of interest located ahead of a vehicle relative to a heading vector of the vehicle. The vehicle navigation system uses information about the current location of the vehicle and the heading vector in connection with a navigation database to identify a list of the intersections or other points of interest along the current street. The vehicle navigation system presents this information to an occupant of the vehicle. As the vehicle progresses and makes turn maneuvers, the navigation system updates the list of intersections or other points of interest that the vehicle is approaching. The occupant can receive information regarding points of interest without needing to enter a planned destination beforehand. In addition, the occupant can determine the location of the vehicle relative to the surrounding area without the clutter of irrelevant map details.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of displaying traffic flow data representing traffic conditions on a road system includes creating a graphical map of the road system which includes one or more segments. The status of each segment on the graphical map is determined such that the status of each segment corresponds to the traffic flow data associated with that segment. An animated traffic flow map of the road system is created by combining the graphical map and the status of each segment.

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: A flat panel display system for an aircraft display includes a graphics rendering computer for rendering of anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors for full-field imaging on a cockpit display screen. A comparator processor independently generates, from the same sensor data, a selected subset or “points of light” of the display screen image and compares the points of light data to the data generated by the rendering computer for the same display screen pixel locations. The minimized processing requirements and simplified design of the comparator processor enable ready FAA certification of the comparator processor, whereas the extreme complexity and processing operations required of the rendering computer make FAA certification thereof unusually time consuming and expensive.

Abstract: A cellular phone places a call to vehicle navigation apparatus, performs ID matching, and acquires the information on the position of the vehicle measured by the vehicle navigation apparatus. The cellular phone acquires peripheral map data including the position of the owner of the vehicle and the position of the vehicle where the vehicle navigation apparatus is mounted from a position information center and displays the data acquired together with the data on the positions.

Abstract: A rover determines a destination and periodically checks the location of the rover against one or more active alert thresholds. One alert threshold is the boundary of an alert area surrounding a destination. The rover sends an alert to a service center alerts a designated party of an impending arrival of the rover at the destination when the rover is within an alert area surrounding the destination. The service center can also alert a designated party when the rover leaves an alert area surrounding a location. The alerts can be communicated via an automated telephone message, a pager message, an e-mail message, or any other means of communication. The alerts can be used for deliveries by directing an alert to a customer expecting a delivery or to a site expecting a vehicle for loading or unloading. In a private context, the alerts can automatically activate systems such as a home appliances or systems in anticipation of a resident's arrival.

Abstract: A navigation system for route guidance is provided. The navigation system comprises a navigation server storing map information and the mobile terminal displaying map information. The mobile terminal has access to the navigation server through a communication network and is controlled to turn on and off the display of map information.

Abstract: Vehicles (106) are equipped with two-way communication units (401) that communicate with roadside (114) and vehicular mounted two-way communication units to receive and/or exchange journey-related information. When approaching a geographic zone that does not support such services, a given vehicle (106) can receive at least a partial download of journey-related information concerning the second geographic zone (102) while still proximal to the entry border (107) for that zone (102). The download can be implemented wirelessly, through hard physical contact, or both. The download may also be at least partially concluded while traveling within the second geographic zone (102) through use of a second non-compatible wireless service such as wireless telephony.