Abstract: A map display apparatus for receiving and displaying map data transmitted from an information center. The map display apparatus includes a reporting device to report data-transmission expenses or data-transmission time required in receiving the map data from the information center; a determining device that allows a user to determine whether to receive the map data from the information center; and a requesting device to request the information center to transmit the map data upon a user's determination of receiving the map data.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to determine a primary route between two locations by monitor vehicle speed using transmitting wireless devices. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving information associated with traffic conditions on a route from a starting location to a destination location; determining a primary route from the starting location to the destination location; determining an average speed of vehicles along portions of the primary route from signals received from wireless transmitters transmitting from the vehicles; identifying one or more delayed portions of the primary route at which the average speed is less than a respective predetermined speed; and displaying the primary route including indicia of the one or more identified delayed portions. The wireless device may include a cellular phone and a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A map data transmitting server is interconnected with a vehicle terminal through a wireless network. The vehicle terminal determines a range of cells of which cell data are required for navigation based on vehicle state information, and requests the map data transmitting server to transmit the cell data of the cells thereto.

Abstract: A navigation system is provided which obtains facility information and displays a facility icon in a position corresponding to the position of the facility on a map shown on a display. The navigation system includes a facility designating device to designate the facility icon, and a designated facility route guidance device to give route guidance to the facility when the facility designating operation is conducted with the facility designating device.

Abstract: In order to simplify the setting of interchanges for getting on and off, a navigation system has an information retrieval processing unit for obtaining map data and interchanges for getting on and off, a display unit which displays a setup screen for displaying a map including the interchanges for getting on and off and, on the same screen, a simple road chart including neighboring interchanges for getting on and off. When the map is scrolled, the simple road chart is renewed so as to correspond to the area to which the map is scrolled, and the setting of the interchanges for getting on and off is simplified.

Abstract: A navigation system is provided that allows an appropriate destination point to be set when a vehicle begins to travel without an operator setting a destination point. A navigation system is provided with a system control section and, if a vehicle begins to travel without an operator setting a destination point, destination point information is retrieved. This destination point information is stored in a travel information database on the basis of information about the position of the vehicle, the direction in which the vehicle is progressing and information about the road. The road is which the vehicle is traveling along that was calculated based on the respective signals input from a GPS receiving section and various sensor sections. In addition, if there are candidates for the relevant destination point, candidate destination points are displayed on a display section as predicted destination points.

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 of transmitting position information of a digital map capable of transmitting a position on a digital map efficiently and accurately in which a transmitting side transmits position information including coordinate series information for specifying a vector shape on a digital map and a receiving side execute map matching by the coordinate series information to the thereby identify the vector shape on the digital map, the coordinate series information is transmitted by adding azimuth information of a coordinate point included in the information thereto. By transmitting shape data by adding the azimuth information thereto, accuracy of matching can be promoted and necessary time for matching can be shortened.

Abstract: A management method and system for a parking lot utilizes multiple parking space sensors to detect the using status of each parking space. A computer is provided to connect to all parking space sensors and controls a display board that is placed at the entrance of the parking lot to show which position is available. Thus, the display board provides the guiding function to the vehicle driver that enters the parking lot. Further, the guiding function is performed by multiple modules mounted on all paths in the parking lot to identify a proper direction so that an available position is easily found.

Abstract: An in-car computing device comprising a computer unit (12), a display screen (20) for displaying information (54-58, 82), a cursor (62) and option menus with individual option menu items, and a control element (22, 23, 24) for moving the cursor on the display screen two-dimensionally and for selecting option menu items. The in-car computing device further comprises a first unit (34) for detecting a display region of predetermined information (54-58, 82) on the display, a second unit (36) for determining a pull-in region (60) of a predetermined size for a display region, and a third unit (30) for applying an operating force to the control element (22) when the cursor (62) is in the pull-in region (60) such that the cursor is moved into the corresponding display region.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically targeting content (e.g., advertising) displayed by a moving vehicle according to the location and direction of travel of the vehicle. Multiple items of content are loaded onto the vehicle and updated at periodic intervals. Position information (such as Global Positioning System information) is used to determine the location and direction of travel of the vehicle. Using the vehicle's position and direction of travel, and perhaps the time of day, a particular item of content can be selected and displayed to an audience external to the vehicle. The amount of time each particular item of content is displayed can be measured and used as the basis for billing clients.

Abstract: A client/server navigation system utilizes partial route guidance trees, enabling a thin, mobile client to detect route deviation and provide alternate instructions while awaiting response from a server. The system (10) consists of a server (28) containing a network database and route-calculation program; a client (26) capable of obtaining (12) its current location and destination, displaying route instructions (22), and determining when it needs additional instructions from the server (20,24); and communication (30,32,34,36) between the client (26) and server (28). The invention allows for long routes and responsive operation on a small, low-powered client despite lags and lapses in communication.

Abstract: A device, a method, an adjusting device, and a mobile system for providing location-dependent information. It is proposed to use a device (1) which utilizes a navigation system (2) to detect its own position within an environment in relation to a map (4), in order to reproduce the location-dependent information. The device has a reproduction device (3) for providing the information (I1 . . . Im) associated with the corresponding locations (P1 . . . Pn). To store the information, a storage medium (5) is provided either locally in the device or in a central data memory (9) of a server (7) that is separate from the device. The range (10) around a position (P1 . . . Pn) within which the information is to be provided is defined by parameters, such as by radius (11) and/or by sector (12). An adjusting device (13) with an input screen (14), for entering the parameters, is also preferably provided.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus including a joystick which is adapted for three motions of leaning in a plurality of predetermined directions, rotating about an axial line and being pressed in a direction along the axial line. As a result of these three motions, an operation of this joystick can be provided with a lot of navigation functions, and, as compared with the prior art, the number of switches of a remote controller and an operation panel section can be decreased.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system enables a user to easily see crowded POI icons and their positions in a small area on the map image by shifting the positions of POI icons in radial directions. The display method includes the steps of specifying POI icons on a map image within a region of a predefined region mark, forming a position rim which is a circle with a center of the region mark, displacing the POI icons within the region mark in radial directions to the position rim, displaying position marks at positions where the POI icons are located before the displacement within the region mark, and displaying lead lines each connecting the POI icon displaced to the position rim and the corresponding position mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a model vehicle layout by moving a vehicle around the track and noting when the vehicle passes track position detection elements. The vehicle can either detect the position detection elements, or the position detection elements can be sensors which detect the vehicle. By noting the order of the position detection elements as detected, and the direction of the vehicle, the layout of the track can be determined. In one embodiment, the position detection elements are sensors along the track which detect an emitted ID from the vehicle, and also detect the speed and direction of the vehicle. This information is then relayed to a control system. In another embodiment, the vehicle detects the position detection element, and relays this information, along with the train ID, speed and direction, to the control system.

Abstract: In a method for providing road users with information about a route section which is traveled along by a motor vehicle before a dangerous situation, the position and the duration of travel of the motor vehicle are repeatedly sensed along the route section using a sensor system in the motor vehicle. The measured values of the sensor system are stored as route points if the angular difference, weighted with the distance traveled along since the route point last stored, between the current direction of travel and the direction of travel at the route point last stored exceeds a predefined threshold value. A route point is stored when a warning function in the motor vehicle is activated in the dangerous situation, and the position of at least one route point and the current position of the motor vehicle are passed on in a warning message to the road users in a limited surrounding area. These measures inform the road users quickly and comprehensively about dangerous situations in the road traffic.

Abstract: A received information processing apparatus enables simplification of user manipulation when information relevant to an area is to be acquired. A position information extraction section extracts predetermined position information (for instance, postal codes) corresponding to the vehicle position calculated by a vehicle position calculation section. A received information extraction section extracts received information relevant to a specified area from among various kinds of information included in a data broadcast received by a digital broadcast receiver, based on position information received from the position information extraction section and predetermined extraction conditions stored in an extraction conditions storage section. Depiction data corresponding to the extracted received information is generated by a received information depiction section, and the content of the received information that is relevant to the vehicle position is displayed on a screen of a display device.

Abstract: Location information transmission apparatus for exchanging information about the on-road location on a digital map, characterized in that apparatus at an information provider comprises a location information converter for converting transmit on-road location information to road shape data including the on-road location consisting of a string of coordinates representing the road shape of a road section having a length that depends on the situation and relative data indicating the on-road location in the road section, and that apparatus at a party receiving the on-road location information comprises a shape matching section for performing shape matching by using the road shape data, identifying the road section on a digital map and identifying the on-road location in the road section by using the relative data. This makes it possible to correctly exchange information about the location on a digital map without defining node numbers or link numbers on a road network.

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: In a communication-type navigation system for downloading map data according to the present invention, a reduction in the amount of map information to be transferred, correction of a position measured by a GPS, and delivery of advertisements are effected. In this system, a terminal 5 stores rough map data in advance. Then, when detailed map data is required, it is downloaded from a map data delivery center to the terminal 5. Further, together with the map data, GPS correction information is delivered to the terminal 5 from the map data delivery center 80. Still further, coupon information associated with an advertisement is displayed and an electronic mail on the coupon information is issued, by the map data delivery center.

Abstract: An information providing system is provided for providing both of a map and positional information depicted to be on the map to a communicable terminal connected to the system via a network. In the system, an information provider is allowed to register both of a spot showing a desired position on the map and advertisement for the spot. Date showing a current position of an information user is acquired. Both of the spot and the current position of the information user are displayed on the map. Route information connecting the spot and the current position of the information user is then produced, if the spot is selected by the information user, and on the map, the produced route information is then displayed and the advertisement for the spot is delivered to the terminal for display.

Abstract: An navigation apparatus records a deviation point as a new search point for activating a rerouting function during a route guidance process. When the deviation point exists along or near a set route, it is predicted that a vehicle will travel away from the set route at the deviation point. When a current location is within a predetermined distance from the deviation point, the rerouting function is activated to automatically search for a new route starting from the deviation point.

Abstract: A navigation device is configured to provide a suitable route that appropriately guides a vehicle to a user outside the vehicle even when the user has moved. The navigation device detects a current vehicle position using a GPS signal receiving section that temporarily stores the vehicle position. The navigation device is configured to receive a signal containing position information from a portable telephone terminal. Then, the navigation device sets the stored position of the portable telephone terminal as the current destination, and calculates a recommended route to the destination. The navigation device communicates with the portable communication terminal to acquire updated position information. Then, the navigation device updates the destination based on the updated position information, and recalculates the recommended route from the current position to the updated destination.

Abstract: A map display apparatus for receiving and displaying map data transmitted from an information center. The map display apparatus includes a reporting device to report data-transmission expenses or data-transmission time required in receiving the map data from the information center; a determining device that allows a user to determine whether to receive the map data from the information center; and a requesting device to request the information center to transmit the map data upon a user's determination of receiving the map data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a navigation apparatus and a method for calculating an optimum travel route thereof.

Abstract: In a car navigation system (1), a position information detection means (11) detects position information on a vehicle using, for example, a GPS. A travel information history of the vehicle obtained based on the detected position information is accumulated in a travel information history means (15). When detecting an event such as start of an engine, an action prediction means (17) predicts a destination of the vehicle by referring to a route to the current time and to the accumulated travel information history. Commercial or traffic information regarding the predicted destination is acquired by an information acquisition means (18) from a server (2), and then is displayed on a screen, for example, by an information provision means (19).

Abstract: A map display apparatus includes a map data memory which stores map data necessary for plotting a map of a predetermined region; a map display which reads map data out of the map data memory and plots a bird's-eye view display by projecting the map data read out from the map data memory onto a projection plane which makes a projection angle with a plane of the map data read out from the map data memory, the projection angle being greater than 0° and less than 90°, the bird's-eye view display including identifying marks which identify items in the bird's-eye view display; and an identifying mark overlap preventer which prevents identifying marks from overlapping one another in the bird's-eye view display.

Abstract: When an approaching crossroad is detected on a target route, the method and apparatus of the invention determine if the relevant turn signal is operated before the crossroad, as well as informing the driver of the crossroad. According to the invention, if the relevant turn signal is not operated, routes different from the target route are calculated before the vehicle arrives at the crossroad, and if the vehicle does not follow the target route at the crossroad, the target route is changed according to the vehicle position.

Abstract: A size of an area extending along a planned route is changed in accordance with a detected vehicle's speed. Map information corresponding to the extending area is extracted from the map information stored in map information storage means. The extracted map information is displayed, along with vehicle's current location, on display means.

Abstract: To perform provision of information which allows a driver to generally know events which a vehicle is about to reach, and which calls the driver's attention to the events. A computer 14 controls a display apparatus 16 so as to display symbols, which corresponding to all events existing between a position of a vehicle and an end position of a service section, among events existing in the service section as first display object symbols in a first display area. In addition, the computer 14 controls the display apparatus 16 so as to display, synchronizing timing with the vehicle reaching a position corresponding to the calculated display timing, symbols corresponding to the display timing as second display object symbols in a second display area in a display size larger than a display size of the first display object symbols.

Abstract: Monitoring is performed to determine whether or not the vehicle approaches a first point in a road where the vehicle turns right before a no-left-turn intersection for effectively entering and turning left at the no-left-turn intersection. When it is determined that the vehicle is close to the first point in the road, the direction in which the vehicle should travel from the first point in the road to a second point beyond the no-left-turn intersection is continuously indicated by an arrow in one enlarged view of the intersection.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation apparatus capable of executing a guide corresponding to an inside structure of a building which even if a vehicle is running in the building. The apparatus determines whether or not a current position of the vehicle is located in the building. If it is determined that the current position is located in the building, a plan view of the building is displayed. Then, the displayed plan view is used to carry out a navigation process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a navigation apparatus capable of performing a proper voice guidance even in such a case that signals transmitted from GPS satellites cannot be received, but a current location cannot be judged. The navigation apparatus of the present invention is featured by such a navigation apparatus in which signals transmitted from GPS satellites are received so as to measure a current location, the measured current location is displayed on a screen in connection with a map, a guidance route up to a destination place is set, and a guidance is notified every predetermined guidance point. In this navigation apparatus, when the signals transmitted from the GPS satellites cannot be received, if a current location is located on the guidance route, then a virtual current location is displayed in such a manner that the virtual current location is moved on the guidance route at a predetermined speed, and a guidance is notified every predetermined guidance point.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for delivering road map data, a plurality of road map data are stored in a road map data storage unit, one of the road map data which corresponds to the road map data requested to be delivered from the road map storage unit is retrieved and delivered in response to a request to deliver the road map data to a movable body issued from the same movable body, a delivery history of each road map data is stored, and a charging process for the delivery of the road map data is carried out in such a way as to refer to the delivery history of the road map data stored and to charge an amount of money discounted from a predetermined amount of money at a rate of discount varied in accordance with a degree of an overlap in a case where the road map data presently delivered to the road map data delivery requested movable body includes a portion on which the road map data delivered to the same movable body in the past is overlapped.

Abstract: In a map display device, a surface storing unit stores surface information which defines a curved surface having a form that depends on positions of portions of a map which are to be enlarged and/or contracted. A mapping unit maps the map onto the curved surface defined by the surface information. A projecting/displaying unit projects the mapped map onto a flat virtual screen, and displays the projected image. Here, by defining the curved surface so that each part of the curved surface forms an intended angle with a line of sight in the projection, the image is displayed with desired portions enlarged and/or contracted, while maintaining connections of roads. The same effect can also be achieved by projecting the map onto a virtual screen having the form of the curved surface.

Abstract: A navigation system 2 includes a map-gain timing judging part 15 to calculate a traveling speed the position of a vehicle detected by a GPS unit 13. A moving distance of the vehicle during the renewal of map is calculated by the traveling speed and a renewal time necessary for gaining the map information from the server 11 of a map information delivery apparatus 1. The system 2 further calculates a traveling direction of the vehicle by the position of the vehicle and also calculates a road distance from the present position of the vehicle to the margin of a map on display. When the road distance agrees with moving distance, it is started to gain a new map information from the server. Thus, when the vehicle reaches the margin of the map on display, the renewal of the map information is completed.