Abstract: An on-vehicle alarm generation method and an on-vehicle alarm generation apparatus for notifying a driver to be aware of safe driving by detecting a passerby or a bicycle moving at a dangerous point and generating an alarm to the driver are provided. In one aspect, the on-vehicle alarm generation method for detecting a passerby and generating an alarm to a driver includes the steps of including a dangerous driving point in map data and detecting the vehicle position; monitoring whether the vehicle approaches the dangerous driving point; transmitting a searching signal when the vehicle approaches the dangerous driving point; monitoring whether, in response to the searching signal, a responsive signal is received from a mobile device carried by the passerby; and generating an alarm to the driver upon receiving the responsive signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for easily updating map data in real time, using a device employing map data or a navigation system, through a transport protocol expert group (TPEG) service, and a computer-readable medium storing a computer program for executing the method, as provided. The method includes determining if the map data has changed using location information received from at least one of a broadcasting network, the Internet, and a transmission medium; and updating the map data based on the location information if the map data has changed.

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: A navigational aid system for fishermen comprises a computer that is connected to the Internet. The computer accesses a high resolution map in the vicinity of a fishing boat. The map depicts the ocean temperature and depth profile in relation to marked latitude and longitudinal indicators. A specialized GPS system in communication with the computer depicts the latitudinal and longitudinal position of the fisherman's boat. The computer executes a separate program that has a transparent window overlaying the map. A user selects two points, one point at a time, on the map and enters corresponding latitude and longitude bearings consistent with those shown on the map. The separate program receives the GPS data and plots the boat position in an orthogonal coordinate system based on the two points selected and their corresponding coordinates. The map is optionally provided with data concerning weather and buoy or wreck hazards in the vicinity of the boat, together with details concerning the coastline.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity warning apparatus includes a current location detector for detecting a current location of the user's vehicle, point information acquisition processor for acquiring map data, and a light emission processor for driving a light generator, in accordance with the map data and the current location of the user's vehicle, to emit a light beam toward a point to be illuminated in an intersection. The light generator is driven in accordance with the location of the user's vehicle and map data so as to direct the light beam toward the point to be illuminated in the intersection, thereby reliably informing other vehicles and pedestrians of the proximity of the user's vehicle.

Abstract: A map of a zoom area to be zoomed is displayed within a display screen while point information excluded from the zoom area is displayed in a position for indicating a direction thereof in a periphery of the map of the zoom area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating an online listing, such as a yellow pages listing, that includes information about an object, such as a business, and also includes at least one image of the structure containing the object. For example, the image may be a digital image of the store front of a business taken at a street view. Additionally, a user may select an image from a plurality of images that the user perceives as being an appropriate representative image for the business. Based on votes received a default representative image may be identified that is provided in response to a request for information about the business.

Abstract: A traffic information providing system externally acquires traffic information including information relating to the travel time of a link, calculates a travel time for a non-provision link to which no travel time is provided through estimate/complement operation. The estimate/complement operation is carried out with use of travel times, emergencies, travel times of links in the vicinity of the non-provision link, and so on, obtained in the near past. The system stores and statistically processes the externally-acquired traffic information, and also estimates a travel time in the near future. When there is an abnormality in the acquired traffic information, the system deletes the abnormality, regards the information as a non-provision link, calculates a probability distribution of travel times of links, calculates a probability distribution of travel times of the entire route made up of a plurality of links, and also calculates a probability for a specific travel time range.

Abstract: A method of tracking a vehicle including receiving vehicle information at a call center from a telematics unit via a wireless network, determining whether the vehicle information is associated with a vehicle station identification for a missing vehicle on a vehicle tracking list and initiating vehicle tracking based on the determination.

Abstract: A terrain database that is rendered in three-dimensional perspective on a Synthetic Vision display in a moving vehicle is updated in real-time in response to data from a ranging sensor. The updated database may be stored and shared with users of displays in other vehicles.

Abstract: A car navigation device using a forward real video and a control method thereof are disclosed. The car navigation device using a forward real video along the travel direction of a vehicle, comprises a camera that photographs the forward real video and outputs the photographed video on a screen, a GPS receiver that receives current position information of the vehicle from a satellite, and a navigation main module that receives the current position information of the vehicle from the GPS receiver, obtains more accurate current position information through calibration using a speed sensor and a gyro, extracts TBT information based on the obtained accurate current position information and user's set destination point information by a general method, and overlays the TBT information on the screen containing the forward real video along the direction of a destination point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a navigation system conducts a data search for finding relative density of objects such as points of interest in a specified area and displays the result of the search in various manners. The display method includes the steps of: defining a size and shape of a search template; scanning the search template on the search area by displacing its position by a predetermined increment; counting and recording a number of objects on the search area within the search template at every increment of the displacement position, thereby creating an object distribution matrix; applying a cluster search algorithm to the object distribution matrix, thereby detecting distribution of clusters of the objects; and displaying the clusters of the objects in the search area.

Abstract: A navigation method and system for determining a desired geographic location. An intersection is first inputted by road names after which all intersections within a predetermined geographic area are identified which correspond to the inputted intersection. In the event that the number of identified intersections exceeds a predetermined threshold, additional information is optionally inputted regarding the desired geographic location and thereafter the identified locations are searched to determine the desired geographic location by utilizing the additional information.

Abstract: A map is presented by a browser, and breaking news content such as still photos, videos, etc. is placed on areas of the map to which the news pertains. A user can click on an area of the map for additional information, and can zoom in to a finer granularity. Personal content can also be displayed over map areas related to the personal content. The browser discovers locations to which content pertains in several ways, including by recognizing the name of a place in a story, through metadata, etc.

Abstract: Tickers are populated with location-based information that is selected according to the geographic location of communication devices. The location of a communication device is identified based on a GPS system, proximity to transmitters in a wireless network, user input, or using other techniques. Location-appropriate content is obtained either in real-time from the network or from a local data store at the communication device. In general location-based, context-aware content can be displayed on tickers associated with a variety of communication devices, including mobile communication devices and “immobile” or stationary personal computers. When a ticker item is selected from the ticker, a location associated with the selected ticker item and/or a location of the communication device is used to generate a map that is displayed on the display of the device to the user.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method of coding the position information of a digital map in a small data volume by utilizing a compressing and coding technique. In a coding method of coding data indicative of a shape vector on a digital map, an arithmetic processing is carried out over position information about a node string and a shape which indicate the shape vector to be represented by data having a statistical deviation, and the data having the statistical deviation are coded to reduce a data volume. It is possible to considerably decrease a transmission data volume in the case in which the vector shape of the digital map is to be transferred.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system transmits navigation information to a vehicle display in form of video data in a standard video format. The video data may be displayed as a still or a moving image. The vehicle navigation system includes a decoder for decoding and displaying video data and a display that may be interfaced to a vehicle entertainment system. The video data may include map data, user information, directional instructions, video information (still or moving images) or information relating to a destination or point of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying a three-dimensional arrival screen allows the user to more easily and accurately identify the actual location of the destination by displaying the three-dimensional arrival screen which shows the relationship among the location of the destination, the locations of the neighboring addresses, and the current vehicle position. The method includes the steps of receiving a street address number of a destination, retrieving data indicating a road segment which includes the specified street address number, estimating positions of the destination and neighboring addresses based on street numbers of the destination, neighboring addresses, and position data of the road segment, and displaying a three-dimensional arrival screen when the user comes within the predetermined distance range from the destination.

Abstract: The present invention allows an existing single-sequentialized navigation main unit to be virtually multi-sequentialized with simple structure. An intervention device 3 receives from a front monitor 4 and a rear monitor 5 acquisition requests which request various kinds of screens from a navigation main unit 2. In response to the acquisition requests, the intervention device 3 performs a mediating process or an adjusting process for various kinds of screens which are received from the navigation main unit 2 and are scheduled to be output to the front monitor 4 and the rear monitor 5. Therefore, even if the intervention device 3 receives a plurality of acquisition requests from the front monitor 4 and the rear monitor 5, the intervention device 3 can sequentially send the acquisition requests one by one to the navigation main unit 2. Accordingly, this allows the navigation main unit 2 to be virtually multi-sequentialized.

Abstract: To provide a mobile device registration system, with which it is impossible to register from a third party's mobile device which is already registered with respect to one vehicle, a mobile device ID with respect to another vehicle to improve security. The system of the present invention includes: a smart unit mounted in a vehicle that has a unique smart ID corresponding to the vehicle and allows registration a mobile device ID; and a mobile device having a unique mobile device ID and allowing registration of the smart ID. In the system, when the smart unit registers the mobile device ID of one mobile device, the smart unit registers its own smart ID into the one mobile device, and unlocking or locking of the vehicle is performed only when the smart unit detects the mobile device having the mobile device ID that is registered in the smart unit.

Abstract: An integrated data logging unit for use in a vehicle comprising data input means for capturing data relating to a position of said unit. The unit comprises analysis means for analysing said captured data and for associating said data with stored geographical information. The unit also has information output means for outputting said captured data and said associated geographical information. The input means comprises image capture means for capturing images related to said position, and a position locator for calculating co-ordinates directly indicative of said position. The analysis means is configured to analyse said calculated co-ordinates and to associate said stored geographical information with said co-ordinates and said information output means comprises visual display means for displaying said captured images, and said geographical information associated with said co-ordinates.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for presenting a route in a manner that emphasizes the route and provides context information. For example, a vivid color or vivid colors may be used to display the route, and pastel colors or other desaturated colors may be used for non-route context information. This may result in a map in which the vivid colors of the route stand out over the faded style of the non-route context information to emphasize the route. In this manner, the map may both emphasize the route and provide context information for the route.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting the status of a mobile asset are described, where the mobile asset may be moved by a transport vehicle from a starting location to a destination location. The method includes providing destination information to a tracking device on the mobile asset, and setting a boundary about the destination location which is also referred to herein as a geoboundary. As the mobile asset moves from the starting location to the destination location, the current location of the mobile asset is determined, and a determination is made whether the current location is within the geoboundary. If the current location of the mobile asset is within the geoboundary, an arrival message is transmitted from the tracking device. Preferred embodiments of the invention include the step of transmitting a departure message from the tracking device if the current location of the mobile asset moves from within the geoboundary to outside the geoboundary.

Abstract: A system that provides location-specific information through a mobile device. During operation, the system receives coordinates for a physical location of the mobile device from a global-positioning system (GPS) receiver within the mobile device. The system then retrieves a description of a point of interest within a specified range of the coordinates received for the physical location and presents the description of the point of interest to a user through the mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that enable users to access and use digital mapping systems with constrained-resource services and/or mobile devices (e.g., cell phones and PDAs). In particular, latency of a mapping application on high-latency and low-throughput networks is minimized. One embodiment utilizes volatile and non-volatile storage of the mobile device to cache pre-computed map images (e.g., map tiles). An asynchronous cache can be used to prevent delays caused by potentially slow non-volatile storage. Meta-data about each map image and usage patterns can be stored and used by the cache to optimize hit rates.

Abstract: A CPU of a navigation system in a vehicle executes a determination as to whether there is a passable route to a main road via a passage, which is within a predetermined range from a vehicle's position. This determination is executed based on map data indicating (i) a road network and (ii) information on roads included in the road network. According to a result of the determination, a user of the vehicle is guided in the passable route.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying images in a vehicle selectively moves an image so as to cancel out the detected displacement of a vehicle or the head of an occupant. When the image is displaced, the device moves markers in accordance with a displacement direction and a displacement amount of the image. In particular, the device displays at least one pair of markers along opposing edges of the screen. One pair of markers can be adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the display screen, while a second pair of markers can be adjacent to the left and right edges of the display screen. Accordingly, no marker appears at the center of the image. Further, although a fixed marker is not displayed, each of the sides of the screen serves the functions of a fixed marker, preventing obstruction of the image due to a conventional fixed marker.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle communication device installed on a subject vehicle includes a detection function, a transmission function, a report function and a signal-processing function to display position information of surrounding vehicles as well as the subject vehicle. In a process of displaying the position information of the vehicles, the device communicates with the devices installed on other vehicles within a reach of the communication function to reflect the position information of the surrounding vehicles including vehicles not equipped with the device.

Abstract: A system and process is presented that identifies nearby objects and/or points in relation to a base object or point. An object or point is nearby if it resides within a prescribed area around the base point. The identification is based on information accessed from a database of geometric data. The identification of nearby neighbors begins by dividing the geographic system defined by said geometric data into a plurality of zones. The zone in which each object or point resides and the zones intersected by the prescribed area are determined. The nearby objects and/or points of interest are then identified by initially considering only those that are identified as residing in the zones intersected by the prescribed area. The search for nearby neighbors can be further refined by limiting the objects and/or points considered to those with locations within the lateral extent and/or within the height of the prescribed area.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle navigation system that can accurately display a position of a vehicle that has the navigation system mounted thereon and a target direction even when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at low speed. The vehicle navigation system includes a device that senses a traveling state of a vehicle, a device that judges whether or not the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed, and a device that smoothes GPS positioning data so that error components contained in the GPS positioning data are canceled out or compensated for when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed. The navigation system further includes a device that calculates the current position based on the smoothed GPS positioning data. The smoothing device outputs new positioning data, for example, based on current GPS positioning data and previous GPS positioning data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: A concept for providing navigation information is described. The concept includes a process for providing navigation information including deriving a destination for a first vehicle and determining a present location of the first vehicle. The process also includes computing maneuvering information from the destination and present location and adapting an image of a ghost vehicle in conformance with the maneuvering information.

Abstract: A system for multi-modal cockpit interface during surface operation of an aircraft comprises a head tracking device, a processing element, and a full-color head worn display. The processing element is configured to receive head position information from the head tracking device, to receive current location information of the aircraft, and to render a virtual airport scene corresponding to the head position information and the current aircraft location. The full-color head worn display is configured to receive the virtual airport scene from the processing element and to display the virtual airport scene. The current location information may be received from one of a global positioning system or an inertial navigation system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: A navigation device includes a position detector, a controller, a display portion, an imaging portion and an image processor. The imaging portion images a forward view in front of the vehicle as a forward image from a predetermined distance before a guidance point. The image processor extracts and analyzes visual information of an on-road object from the forward image. The controller specifies a position of the on-road object based on the visual information and map information. The display portion displays and highlights an image of the on-road object at a true position in a road map image, when the position of the on-road object corresponds to the guidance point.

Abstract: A driving support image during a turn at an intersection is provided as a driving support by a driving support image display apparatus for a driver by the image display apparatus so that the driver can easily recognize a state ahead of his or her vehicle or a state into which the right turn is made. The driving support image is provided when a subject vehicle has reached a support starting point before the intersection based on provided information that is received from a roadside apparatus. After starting the display of the driving support image as an initial field of vision, the support image is shifted by gradually moving the field of vision of the driving support image from the initial field of vision at a predetermined timing for increased coverage of an opposite lane or a lane to be traveled after a turn.

Abstract: A method of stitching converging path segments to aesthetically label Y-intersections, path bifurcations or splits in roads or the like entails determining which pair of adjacent path segments subtend the largest angle. The path segments subtending the largest angle are reconstructed (stitched together) and a single instance of the label is then rendered along the reconstructed path. Although this stitching can be performed on the client device, pre-stitching server-side is even more efficient in terms of economizing over-the-air bandwidth and onboard processing resources.

Abstract: A car navigation device displays a map by using display colors included in a first color pallet when the speed of a vehicle traveling is lower than a predetermined value and displays the map by using display colors included in a second color pallet having a group of display colors of contrasts higher than those of the group of display colors of the first color pallet when the speed of the vehicle traveling is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided for enabling management of restricted parking spaces for vehicles. In an example, a sensing system senses the presence of vehicles in predetermined parking spaces and stores that information for subsequent processing. Particular parking restrictions, or limited parking indicia, for given parking spaces are displayed and viewable to vehicle operators. The posted parking restriction indicia are selectively changeable to accommodate various parking demand situations. The displayed limited parking indicia may be changed from one type of limited parking to other types of limited (or unlimited) parking from a remote server location, either selectively by an administrator or in accordance with a stored parking authorization plan or schedule. Vehicles are scanned for proper authorization for predetermined types of parking spaces.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes an unregistered road detecting means for setting up a detection start point and a detection end point for an unregistered road on registered roads which are respectively located before and behind sections in which matching result data indicates a free state, respectively, the matching result data indicating a matching state when the vehicle is traveling each of the registered roads, for performing a coordinate transformation on a traveling path which is created from positioning data and which is extending between the two points so that the traveling path has coordinates which match with the coordinates of a registered road between them, and for detecting the coordinates of the unregistered road from a portion of the coordinate-transformed traveling path which does not overlap any registered road, and a road data generating means for creating road data about the unregistered road from the coordinates of the unregistered road.

Abstract: A method of and system for determining a path traveled by a vehicle in a road network having a plurality of road segments connected into a plurality of paths that includes obtaining a current location measurement having an accuracy range, determining the road segments located within this accuracy range of the current location measurement to form a set of current possible positions for the vehicle, retrieving a set of stored possible paths for the vehicle, generating a new set of possible paths based on the set of current possible positions and the set of stored possible paths, and storing the new set of possible paths as the set of stored possible paths.

Abstract: The image playback device includes: an image database storing, in association with one another, specific places in a predetermined region, photographed images relating to the specific places, position information of photographed places of the photographed images, and photographing time period information of the photographed images; a display section displaying the specific places; a selecting section for selecting a specific place; an operation section for instructing display, in the order of the eras, of the photographed images relating to the specific place selected by the selecting section; and a display control section which, in accordance with operation of the operation section, reads-out the photographed images relating to the specific place from the image database in the order of the eras, and displays the photographed images at the display section.

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

Abstract: A method for sending navigation information is disclosed. The method can gather various items of navigation information and send those items of navigation information in a certain order. In some cases, the order is established by information that has been received. In other cases, the order has been predetermined. This can assist in making navigation information more readily available and in some cases, users can use parcels of navigation information while other parcels are being still delivered.

Abstract: An absolute position detector of a navigation device detects an absolute position of a vehicle. An on-map position of the vehicle is acquired based on the detected absolute position to be on a road map indicated by map data stored in the navigation device. Absolute positions detected by the absolute position detector are stored in association with on-map positions acquired based on the detected absolute positions as travel track information when the vehicle travels. An error of the map data as a reliability degree of the map data is set by comparing the travel track information with the map data.

Abstract: To provide a convenient selection of origin and/or destination of a route, in an on-line map service, the user is permitted to select and view a map and select any point from the displayed map as one of the points necessary for computation of a route. In an example, the user selects a start point, and the client device provides pixel coordinates of the first selected point. The user then selects the other point from the map, and the client device provides coordinates of the other selected point. A GIS program at the client converts the coordinates to map units and communicates with the server in order to access map information, compute a route, and send back route information for presentation to the user. The resulting route information, for example, may take the form of a map display highlighting the route or textual instructions for traveling the route.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing, referencing, retrieving, and graphically displaying spatial and non-spatial related information of a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer or a cellular telephone. The spatial-related information may be obtained by using positioning tracking systems such as a global positioning system, whereas the non-spatial related information may include communication activities associated with the mobile computing device, such as phone calls, e-mails, text messages, pages, etc. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus of summarizing the spatial and non-spatial related information for more effective and intuitive display of the information to the user, including the use of graphical map and calendar of events.

Abstract: A navigation system uses XML/SVG format map data for achieving flexibility in modifying the map data. A method of converting geographic data into the XML/SVG format map data includes the steps of retrieving the geographic data, analyzing the retrieved geographic data for its data elements structure, data type and semantics, and converting the analyzed data to the XML/SVG format map data for with the navigation system. The XML/SVG format map data is constructed in a layered structure created based on administrative regions such as states, counties and cities. The XML/SVG format map data can be delivered to a remote user as a unit of administrative region through a communication network.