Abstract: A navigation apparatus is provided with: a first storing device for storing original data for a navigation based on a predetermined format and including map data, in such a manner that an empty area exists on the predetermined format in each processing unit for a predetermined kind of navigation processing; a second storing device for storing difference update data representing a data portion for the navigation that is updated with respect to the original data as a standard; and a re-writing device for generating updated data based on the format and including the original data and merge data, by re-writing the merge data at least partially into the empty area corresponding to the merge data. The merge data defines a relationship of the difference update data with respect to the original data. The navigation apparatus is also provided with a processing device performing the navigation processing on the basis of the original data and the difference update data.

Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

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: A “path-enhanced” presentation is automatically generated from previously recorded “path-enhanced” multimedia based on time and location information associated with the multimedia. The path based on the time and location information is rendered over a two-dimensional map. The presentation indicates position and progress along the path, and at the same time, previously recorded multimedia corresponding to points or segments of that path are automatically played. When the moving icon reaches a location that is associated with multimedia, that multimedia is automatically played.

Abstract: A system and method for managing navigation information is disclosed. The system and method can send and receive navigation information. In some cases, requests for navigation information can be sent to a service provider, which then prepares an appropriate response and sends the response back to the requesting party. The service provider can communicate with an on-board unit associated with a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A map data processing apparatus includes: a map data storage unit, a differential data input unit, and a map data multiple update unit. The map data storage unit stores map data. The differential data input unit inputs differential data representing the difference between current map data stored in the map data storage unit and the most recent map data in a script format for each version. The map data multiple update unit updates the map data in the map data storage unit to the most recent map data using the differential data corresponding to the version.

Abstract: A map distribution system, includes an information center that stores the latest map information and a terminal device including a communication unit, a map storing unit, and a control information storing unit. The communication unit transmits information to the information center and receives information from the information center. The map storing unit stores map information. The control information storing unit stores control information associated with the map information. The terminal device transmits the control information to the information center every prescribed timings. The information center transmits the latest control information to the terminal device in response to the transmitted control information. The terminal device rewrites the control information stored in the control information storing unit to the latest control information.

Abstract: A method and system of polyline generation for rendering a representation of a geographic region is provided. Within a database containing geographic data, polyline data entities represent geographic features. Each polyline data entity is associated with a drawcode that defines attributes of the data entity, and organized within the database based on the drawcode. During a rendering process, a processor can read a group of data from a database stored on a disc that is organized to contain all polyline data entities associated with the same drawcode. The processor can then render all geographic features in an area that are similar using one or a minimum number of disc reads.

Abstract: A geospatial database management system is mounted on a host vehicle and manages geospatial data relating to a travel path for the host vehicle, the travel path having one or more lanes. A geospatial database stores data elements indicative of objects and a location of the objects in three-dimensional space. The objects have a lane-level resolution and the location is accurate to within an order of one decimeter or better. A database manager component is configured to maintain the data elements in the geospatial database and receive database queries from a driver assist subsystem configured to assist a driver of the host vehicle. A query processor is coupled to the database manager component and to the geospatial database and is configured to receive the database query from the database manager component. The query processor queries the geospatial database and returns query results to the database manager component. This can be done in real time.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution modules, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively store therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution modules respectively execute the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module. The second execution module executes the second computer program by using transferred data which are transferred from the second recording device to the first recording device.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution module, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively stores therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution module respectively executes the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module.

Abstract: A method for collecting data for a geographic database is disclosed. Altitude data are collected using a vehicle traveling in a geographic region. A barometer associated with the vehicle supplies the altitude data. Road grade data along the roads traveled by the vehicle is derived by analyzing the altitude data. The geographic database is updated to indicate the road grade.

Abstract: When a user pushes a scroll-direction key, an ECU obtains, from a memory, a division map corresponding to a division located in a direction designated by the scroll-direction key. The ECU then outputs the division map to a display controller. The display controller compresses the division map to store in a VRAM. At scrolling a displayed image, the display controller expands the compressed division map. It then outputs, to an image signal generator, only a necessary portion of the expanded division map. Thereby, the displayed image can be scrolled at high speed and easily recognizable for the user.

Abstract: A map-data distribution method distributes map data from a map-data distribution server to a client and causes the client to draw a map image. The map-data distribution method includes steps of causing the map-data distribution server to store a plurality of map components obtained by dividing the map data, causing the server to send the map data to the client in an order according to the map component, and causing the client to store the received data in a temporary memory while causing the client to start to draw the map image using one of the received data and the data stored in the temporary memory.

Abstract: An off-road trail recording method and apparatus for use with a navigation system for recording an off-road trail when a vehicle travels in an off-road area to safely return to the original road. The off-road trail recording is achieved without regard to on/off settings of the off-road trail recording function by the user. The navigation system automatically detects that the vehicle has left the road and starts recording the off-road trail in a background mode without display the off-road trail. When the user turns on the off-road trail recording function later, the navigation system prompts the user to decide whether the off-road trail recorded in the background should be recovered in a normal mode. The navigation system provides various means for recording the off-road trail with reduced resolution when the memory capacity is exhausted or insufficient.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a hard disk drive, which stores an old navigation software set; an optical disk drive which is accessible to an optical disk which stores a new navigation software set; a first executing section which drives the hard disk drive; and a second executing section which drives the optical disk drive. An install section responds to a navigation instruction to control the first executing section to drive the hard disk drive such that a vehicle navigation is carried out based on the old navigation software set, when the optical disk is not available. Also, the install section controls the second executing section to drive the optical disk drive such that the vehicle navigation is carried out based on the new navigation software set and the first and second executing sections to drive the hard disk drive and the optical disk drive such that the new navigation software set is installed from the optical disk into the hard disk drive, when the optical disk is available.

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 display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

Abstract: Location-dependant personal organizer apparatus for operation with a memory for storing a plurality of appointment entries, each appointment entry including data specifying a time and a place; the personal organizer comprising: a locating unit capable of determining the location of the personal organizer; a clock capable of determining the present time; an alerting unit for generating an alert to a user; and an alert processor coupled to the memory, the locating unit, the clock and the alerting unit and capable of actuating the alerting unit at a period before the stored time for an appointment entry that is dependant on the stored place for that appointment entry and the determined location of the personal organizer.

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 navigational device in which a position is storable by actuating a control element and this position may be input as a driving destination by re-actuating the control element. This simplifies the input of an often frequented driving destination such as a place of residence.

Abstract: “Path-enhanced” multimedia (PEM) data may be viewed, modified, or interacted with according to user selected views which determine the manner in which at least a portion of the PEM data is displayed. The PEM data is stored in a data structure as a scrapbook object including first data object types corresponding to the PEM data and second object types corresponding to the different view types. The scrapbook object data structure lends itself to displaying portions of the PEM data according to selected views that correspond to a particular time and place or to a particular time ordered sequence of locations (i.e., a particular path segment) and/or can be enhanced with other multimedia content related to that time and place or to that path segment, thereby providing a more interesting and effective display of the “path-enhanced” recorded events.

Abstract: An information center generates packets of route guidance information, each corresponding to a prescribed road length of a recommended route. The information center may generate major guide point information and guidance information and transmit both to a vehicular apparatus. The vehicular apparatus provides guidance only for major guide points based on the received major guide point information if it cannot receive the guidance information. According to another aspect of the invention, if the end of a route segment which was the subject of the preceding route guidance information is on an expressway or toll road, guidance information for a preliminary route from that end to an escape position ahead on the expressway or toll road is first transmitted and then information for a remaining route, that is a segment of the recommended route having the prescribed road length minus the preliminary route, is then transmitted.

Abstract: Movement of a vehicle such as a boat (30) is guided by dynamically monitoring parameters and generating instructions for the operator. The instructions are at a level to attain a number of sub-goals to reach a goal position (33) from a current position (32). Each sub-goal is attained in a single vehicle manoeuvre such as straight-ahead or rotation, each manoeuvre being instructable to the operator. The instructions are generated using a space model (12) of the space around the vehicle, an operator model (11) of operator vehicle control characteristics, and a vehicle model (12) of vehicle movement characteristics.

Abstract: The information provision system includes a terminal having a current position measurement section and a communications controller, which intermittently transmits information on the current position measured, a terminal position management section for managing the position of the terminal based on the current position information received, an accident/disaster information management section for collecting information on an accident or a disaster and managing the information according to occurrence location and time of the accidents, an warning information generator for generating warning information from the information on the accidents, an warning terminal identification section for identifying a terminal positioned in the neighborhood of the location of the accidents, and an warning transmitter for transmitting warning information to the identified terminal. The system prevents user who carries a terminal from sustaining a possible damage caused by the accidents.

Abstract: A location management method manages the location of a member which move around carrying a GPS-equipped portable telephone. The method includes inquiring of the GPS-equipped portable telephone about its current location, making the GPS-equipped portable telephone return positional information of the current location measured by the GPS function, managing the returned positional information of the current location in a file, searching a map database based on the positional information of the current location, and preparing and displaying map data linked with the positional information of the current location.

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: System and methods for determining and disseminating current traffic information and/or route information are presented. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, traffic condition information is collected from mobile units that provide their location or position information. The traffic condition may be determined, for example, based on the difference between the velocity of each mobile unit and the speed limit corresponding to their location. Furthermore, the fastest routes between two locations may be determined and provided based on historical and/or current conditions and provided to a mobile unit. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, route information may be utilized to determine whether a mobile unit (e.g., associated with a vehicle) is allowed or prohibited from traveling along a certain route.

Abstract: A device for generating and/or processing navigating data. The device having access to first location data, a first point and a second point being derivable with the aid of location data, navigational data being able to be generated and/or being processable for the points, and the second locations data being necessary for deriving the second point.

Abstract: A method for collecting data for a geographic database is disclosed. Engine load value and position data are collected using a vehicle traveling in a geographic region. A location of a road grade change point is identified corresponding to a change in the engine load value data. The geographic database is updated to indicate the road grade.

Abstract: Of the pieces of facility information of the map information stored in map information storage section 6, those that need to be altered are stored in editing information storage section 10. Each piece of positional information on a facility in the updating information relating to the facility and specifically describing alterations is linked to a piece of pre-edition information and stored in the editing information storage section 10 as post-edition information to generate a pair of pieces of editing information. As a destination is selected and input at operation section 7, the editing information is retrieved and a piece of pre-edition information or post-edition information containing positional information same as that of the destination is detected. The pre-edition information is replaced by the updating information of the detected post-edition information of the editing information to define the destination and the route of movement.

Abstract: A navigation system performing navigation based on a detected current position and map data is provided. The navigation system includes a storage device, a navigation control device, and a defragmenting processing device. The storage device is nonvolatile. Files of map data are able to be read from it, and to be written into it. The navigation control device controls a navigation operation using the map data. Then, the defragmenting processing device performs a defragmenting processing with the storage device at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system and method of providing information to an onboard information device in a vehicle includes an onboard information device, such that the onboard information device is a handheld computer and a user interest profile is maintained within a memory of the onboard information device. The system includes an onboard communication system operatively connecting to the onboard information device, such that the; onboard communication system determines a location of the user from a positioning signal transmitted by a global positioning system. The system also includes a travel information system in communication with the onboard information device, such that the travel information system maintains a hierarchically indexed information database and the travel information system provides the onboard communication device with information of interest to the user based on the user profile and the user location.

Abstract: The group interaction system comprises a plurality of vehicle navigation systems that are capable of communicating with one another, displaying the location of other vehicle navigation systems in a group, and receiving selection of certain vehicle navigation systems in the group and selection of an application for interaction among the selected vehicle navigation systems. A group of vehicle navigation systems to interact with is established. One or more of other vehicle navigation systems to interact with the vehicle navigation system. An application is also selected on the vehicle navigation system for interaction with the selected other vehicle navigation systems. In response, the vehicle navigation system runs the selected application with respect to the selected other navigation systems.

Abstract: A method for representing a route along a road network in a geographic region is disclosed. A database includes data representations of intersections of roads in the geographic region. Associated with the data representation for each intersection of roads are data indicating one or more nominal paths through the intersection. The nominal paths through an intersection identify, for each road segment by which the represented intersection can be entered, one and only one road segment from which the represented intersection is exited. The route is represented by indicating each intersection at which the route deviates from the nominal path into the intersection.

Abstract: A data storage system for a motor vehicle comprises at least two control units (1) for controlling one or several vehicle components each, at least two memories (2) for storing data that characterize the route to be traveled on in future, and an interface (3) to a data source (4). Every control unit (1) inquires with the data source (4) a subset of the route data contained therein via the interface (3) and stores the route data transmitted in response in the memory (2) associated with the respective control unit (1).

Abstract: A navigation system is provided with: a present position detecting device (16, 17) for detecting a present position; a first memory device (14) for reading map data from a record medium (1) in which the map data is recorded; a second memory device (15) of non-volatile type, to which the map data can be written and from which the map data can be read; a navigation controlling device (11) for controlling a navigation operation in correspondence with the detected present position by using the map data, and sending a transfer command to transfer the map data from the first memory device to the second memory device at a predetermined timing; and a transfer interface (30) for controlling an operation of reading the map data from the record medium by the first memory device and an operation of transferring the map data to the second memory device, in accordance with the sent transfer command.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution module, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively stores therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution module respectively executes the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a hard disk drive, which stores an old navigation software set; an optical disk drive which is accessible to an optical disk which stores a new navigation software set; a first executing section which drives the hard disk drive; and a second executing section which drives the optical disk drive. An install section responds to a navigation instruction to control the first executing section to drive the hard disk drive such that a vehicle navigation is carried out based on the old navigation software set, when the optical disk is not available. Also, the install section controls the second executing section to drive the optical disk drive such that the vehicle navigation is carried out based on the new navigation software set and the first and second executing sections to drive the hard disk drive and the optical disk drive such that the new navigation software set is installed from the optical disk into the hard disk drive, when the optical disk is available.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution modules, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively store therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution modules respectively execute the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module. The second execution module executes the second computer program by using transferred data which are transferred from the second recording device to the first recording device.

Abstract: A device has one or more memories that store a set of position points defining respective locations within one or more physical areas. A communication interface on the device communicates with one or more signal sources located at one or more of the respective locations proximate to the position detection device. Each of the signal sources responds to the device with information about the respective location. A path process defines one or more paths connecting one or more of the position points in response to a user query. The path process accesses the information from one or more of the signal sources and determines the progress of the device user through the physical area as defined by the path. A user interface communicates the progress through the physical area to the user.

Abstract: A navigation device having a satellite broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast transmission of map data for use in the navigation device. The navigation device also includes a location determining device such as a global positioning system receiver to determine a geographic location of the navigation device. The location of the device is compared with the received map data, and if there is a match, the map data is stored in a computer storage medium and displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A device for generating and/or processing navigating data. The device having access to first location data, a first point and a second point being derivable with the aid of location data, navigational data being able to be generated and/or being processable for the points, and the second locations data being necessary for deriving the second point.

Abstract: This invention provides a data-recording apparatus that is capable of managing the travel history of a moving object according to the objective of that movement.

Abstract: A positional information storage system that stores and verifies positional information of a mobile terminal apparatus. The positional information storage system stores (i) the positional information, (ii) time information, and (iii) signature data that is generated by placing a digital signature on a combination of the time information and the positional information of the mobile terminal apparatus only if a user of the mobile terminal apparatus is successfully authenticated. The positional information storage system also verifies whether the signature data is authentic. With this construction, it is possible to authenticate a person carrying the mobile terminal apparatus, and to verify whether data to be stored in the memory has been tampered.

Abstract: A data collection system including a data glove is used by a researcher to safely and efficiently collect and input data for a geographic database. The data collection system is transported by the researcher along roads in a geographic area. As the data collection system is being transported, the positions of the data collection system are determined. The researcher inputs data into the data collection system through the glove by hand and/or finger gestures. The data collection system stores data indicating a determined position with a type of data associated with the gestures. The data obtained by the data collection system is displayed so that the researcher can add or modify data records in the geographic database. The data obtained by the data collection system is used to add data to or modify data in the geographic database.