Abstract: The present invention apparatus and method that allows the geographical location of a user with respect to a designated geographical location to be determined in a manner that cost-efficient, the user given several options regarding the way in which his of her present location is determined as well as the format in which the user's relative position to the designated geographical location is represented and the apparatus being easy to operate and relatively lightweight.

Abstract: A method for creating map data for navigation includes setting a plurality of levels corresponding to levels of detail, stratifying meshes at the individual levels, and creating map data that includes road information of the individual meshes at the individual levels. The map data includes, for individual combinations of two meshes at a predetermined level, data for identifying meshes at the predetermined level that are used to search for routes from one mesh in each of the combinations of two meshes to the other mesh in each of the combinations of two meshes as search range data.

Abstract: A time-conditioned digital map and information display method and apparatus includes establishment of a time condition applicable to composing the display, reference to time-related information associated with displayable items, identification of indicated state(s) or propertie(s) of said displayable items by means of evaluation of the time-related information relative the time condition, and depiction of said items in a manner that is determined at least in part by said indicated state(s) or propertie(s).

Abstract: A multi-function, portable, electronic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing and a memory in communication with the processor. The electronic device includes a display in communication with the processor and positioned on a surface of the housing. The electronic device includes an apparatus for performing a first function, and an apparatus for performing a second function. One of the functions includes a navigational component. The navigational component includes an antenna attached to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a signal acquisition position. A deployment indicator indicates the antenna is in the signal acquisition position. An operational component of the navigational component is activated in response to the deployment indicator indicating the antenna is in the signal acquisition position.

Abstract: A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a display device and a information processing apparatus. The display device includes: a first arithmetic processing unit; a display unit at which information is displayed as a bitmap; and an interface unit that can be connected with the external information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: an interface unit that can be connected with the display device; and a second arithmetic processing unit that executes a specific type of processing. The first arithmetic processing unit controls the display unit so as to display information related to the specific type of processing transmitted from the information processing apparatus and also executes another type of processing related to the specific type of processing based upon an instruction provided by the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow either the driver or a passenger in a vehicle to operate a telematic unit in the vehicle. Communication requests may be prioritized, depending upon the type of communication desired and whether the request is being made by the driver or a passenger. Visual display units for the driver and passenger are positioned such that the passenger visual display unit is visible to a passenger seated in the passenger seat and not visible to a driver seated in the driver seat. Information displayed on the driver visual display unit may be restricted to certain types of communications, or include only limited information, so as not to distract the driver. A full display may be provided to the passenger, so that the passenger can assist the driver with verbal instructions based upon information included in the full display, viewable by the passenger but not the driver.

Abstract: An information retrieval system for retrieving information relating to a locality includes a data collecting module for collecting data relating to a location of the device and the locality in which the device is located. A processor, which is in communication with the data collecting module, processes the collected data to provide formatted data suitable for printing. A printing unit is associated with the device for printing the formatted data to provide information relating to the locality.

Abstract: When a driving assistance system of a navigation device in a subject vehicle is able to communicate with a cooperative remote driving assistance system in an oncoming vehicle, images are obtained from individual front monitor cameras of the subject vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. These obtained images are exchanged. From within these images, common objects are recognized to thereby compute a positional relationship between the subject vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. The computed positional relationship is then shown in a display unit by a vehicular model using an outline of a top view of a vehicle. Consequently, a driver can intuitively recognize the positional relationship between the subject vehicle and the oncoming vehicle by seeing the display unit.

Abstract: According to the invention, navigational information for a vehicle is displayed intuitively and in an easily comprehensible manner in the form of a virtual pilot vehicle, superimposed on an image of the vehicle environment. The display mode and/or position and/or orientation and/or size of the virtual pilot vehicle are determined for example in accordance with the route information, speed, reference points for a recommended route, position and orientation of the vehicle or the camera that records the vehicle environment.

Abstract: A method is described for collecting location-dependent data in a central data collection point. The method comprises the steps of: collecting location dependent data from a data source, in a nearby portable communications device; transmitting the collected data to a base station of the portable communications device; and communicating the collected data along with a location identifier to the data collection point.

Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation system includes a receiver for receiving real-time traffic information (RTTI), a database for storing routine trip information, and a processor for running a regular route application. The regular route application includes a learning mode program and an operational mode program. The learning mode program records information regarding trips regularly taken by a vehicle and populates the database with records of routine trip information. The recorded trip information can include driver identifiers, trip departure times, origin points, destination points, dates of travel, days of travel, and route data. When the vehicle begins a new trip, the operational mode program determines whether the vehicle is engaging in a routine trip. This is accomplished by comparing current vehicle location or departure time information to routine trip information in the database.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring and notification system includes a mapping application and a data manager. The mapping application receives data identifying a particular location and automatically translates this data into a set of location values. The mapping application then stores the foregoing set of location values. The data manager retrieves the stored set of location values and monitors travel of a vehicle based on location values produced by a location sensor coupled to the vehicle. The data manager compares a set of location values produced by the sensor to the stored set of location values to determine when the vehicle is within a predefined proximity of the particular location. When the data manager determines that the vehicle is within the predefined proximity of the particular location, the data manager causes a notification message to be transmitted to a user communications device to notify a user of an impending arrival of the vehicle at the particular location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a notification apparatus, a notification method, and a recording medium, which are capable of notifying to a user, such a fact that either trouble or an accident happens to occur at a registered point when a target point of a vehicle is made coincident with the registered point which has been previously registered.

Abstract: A system and method for formatting and transferring navigation information is disclosed. The system and method can send and receive navigation information. The navigation information can be formatted and transferred using different coordinate systems. In some cases, an absolute coordinate system is used and in other cases, a relative coordinate system is used to encode or express various map features. This can assist in reducing the amount of information transferred and can facilitate rapid delivery of the navigation information.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a navigation system allows a user to define and edits a favorite spot and retrieves points of interest (POI) information or other information associated with the favorite spot. The method includes the steps of creating a favorite spot by selecting a location on a map image displayed on the navigation system and setting a size of the favorite spot, selecting one of the favorite spots created in the navigation system, and retrieving information associated with the selected favorite spot. The navigation is able to inform the user that the user has entered a favorite spot or has left a favorite spot.

Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

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

Abstract: An information display system for displaying a map that covers an area around a pre-registered point relevant to a date or a date and time. The position of the pre-registered point on the map is readily and accurately identified using the operator's selection of the date or the date and time. The information display system, include a map information storage in which map information is stored; an input device to input a designated point relevant to a date or a date and time; a schedule information storage unit in which the designated point is stored relevant to a date or a date and time; a display device on which a calendar and a map are displayed; and a display control device by which a map covering a point relevant to a date, or a date and time, either of which being selected from the calendar, is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A map data transmitting method for transmitting a map through communication comprises steps of setting a specific route, specifying map data contained in a slicing range within a predetermined distance from the route having been set based upon map data that include road data and background data, newly creating new polygon data if an original polygon data contained in the background data included in the specified map data is partially contained in the slicing range and another portion of the polygon is outside the slicing range, by removing polygon data corresponding to the portion outside the slicing range from the original polygon data and transmitting a road map specified in conformance to the map data and background data containing the new polygon data.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system enables a user easily see a list of points of interest (POIs) along a route to a destination. The navigation system shows a list of distance ranges of the route where each range shows a number of POIs searched. The current user position is marked in the corresponding distance range. The navigation system displays a list of POI names in the selected distance range where the POI names are arranged in the order that the user sees the POIs along the route. For determining the listing order, the navigation system uses a plurality of region circles having their centers on the route to the destination, and retrieves POIs contained in the region circles and calculates a modified distance of each POI.

Abstract: A vehicular communications apparatus is configured to calculate information on relative positions, relative velocities, and relative moving directions between own vehicle and other vehicles at a point such as a junction where other vehicles tend to affect running of the own vehicle, and to search for and decide other vehicles which are to be opponents of radio communications, based on a calculated result, and communication opponents are decided from among the searched other vehicles, and radio communications are conducted therewith, and then, the vehicular communications apparatus obtains information on the other vehicles, in a time-sequential manner and by radio communications, and present the information to a driver of the own vehicle from time to time, thereby causing the driver to recognize dynamic information on the other vehicles, enabling the own vehicle to smoothly join a flow of traffic at a junction, for example.

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: The invention is related to methods and apparatus 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: The invention is related to methods and apparatus 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 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: An on-vehicle information provision apparatus is provided that visually provides a vehicle occupant with an advertisement. The apparatus includes display condition setting device that sets predetermined display conditions for displaying the advertisement, condition determination device that determines whether or not the display condition applies, and advertisement display device that, when said display condition does apply, visually provides the occupant with the advertisement shown superimposed on an actual landscape being viewed by the occupant.

Abstract: An information providing system for vehicles includes: a first information center; a second information center; and an on-vehicle apparatus. The first information center includes a voice line to be used by an operator, an information search device that executes a search for facility information from a telephone directory data recording device, and a data transmission device that transmits the facility information obtained through the search executed by the information search device. The second information center includes a position search device that executes a search for position data corresponding to the facility information transmitted from the first information center, from a position data recording device, and a data line. The on-vehicle apparatus includes a communication device that obtains the facility information provided as a voice message from the first information center via the voice line and obtains the position data from the second information center via the data line.

Abstract: A method for compensating a rotational position error of a robot cleaner is disclosed to reduce a rotational position error of a robot cleaner by compensating an offset value of a gyro sensor of the robot cleaner. The method includes: detecting an offset value of a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a robot cleaner; compensating the detected offset value; and correcting a rotational position of the robot cleaner on the basis of the compensated offset value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating real-time, symbolic descriptions for a navigational system is provided. The method may be employed within a variety of devices, including in-vehicle navigation systems, cellular telephones and PDAs. The method takes geographical coordinates corresponding to an oncoming maneuver, like a right-hand turn at a four-way intersection for example, and transforms them into a set of two-dimensional, planar coordinates. The method then maps these planar coordinates atop a pie-shaped, radial grid, and allocates points to subdivisions of the grid by counting the number of points that fall within the grid. The method then generates a symbolic description of the maneuver to be performed by drawing an arrow running from the beginning of the maneuver to the end of the maneuver atop a predetermined, generic description of the intersection. This real-time, graphical maneuver description is then displayed on a screen to a user.

Abstract: In a separate-window-display map search-and-display unit, where a current position or a cursor position arrives at a predetermined area near the outer circumference of a screen image during cursor-moving map scroll display is performed, a map-display-scale calculation unit calculates a wide-area map on a predetermined scale for displaying the current position and the cursor position on the same screen and a two-point-display map-search display searches for and displays a predetermined map. A separate-frame-window-display detailed-map search-and-display unit displays a current-position-centered detailed map and a cursor-position-centered detailed map in separate-frame windows.

Abstract: A multi-function, portable, electronic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing and a memory in communication with the processor. The electronic device includes a display in communication with the processor and positioned on a surface of the housing. The electronic device includes an apparatus for performing a first function, and an apparatus for performing a second function. One of the functions includes a navigational component. The navigational component includes an antenna attached to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a signal acquisition position. A deployment indicator indicates the antenna is in the signal acquisition position. An operational component of the navigational component is activated in response to the deployment indicator indicating the antenna is in the signal acquisition position.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle alert system for providing information as to a location of an emergency vehicle to a motor vehicle, includes a first GPS receiving unit that is provided on the emergency vehicle and that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and that determines emergency vehicle location information of the emergency vehicle. The system also includes a radio-wave transmitter unit that is provided on the emergency vehicle and that transmits the emergency vehicle location information by way of an emergency vehicle location signal. The system further includes a second GPS receiving unit that is provided on the motor vehicle and that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and that determines vehicle location information of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a radio-wave receiver unit that is provided on the motor vehicle and that receives the emergency location signal output by the radio-wave transmitter unit of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation terminal device includes a map information receiving unit for receiving the map of the region around a reference point from the web server by inputting retrieval information; a display screen for displaying the received map; a route line drawing unit for drawing the destination from the starting point of the reference point by screen scrolling, computing the orientation from the reference point to the destination, and displaying the route line which can be traced from the reference point to the destination; a map information requesting unit for requesting again that the web server distributes the map information of the adjacent peripheral region if the destination is not within the received map of the peripheral region; and a route line re-drawing unit for searching the destination by screen scrolling the updated map information, re-compute the orientation and re-draw the route line.

Abstract: An operator identifying device for a vehicle with an operating section located between driver's and non-driver's seats includes a photographing section and an image processing section. The photographing section is configured to obtain image data of a prescribed region encompassing the operating section and at least one of hands of a driver and a non-driver when the at least one of the hands is extended toward the operating section. The image processing section is configured to process the image data to determine whether at least one of the driver and the non-driver is an operator of the operating section. Moreover, an onboard apparatus is provided with the operator identifying device, an operating section and a control section. The control section is configured to control an operation of the onboard apparatus based on an operator identification result of the operator identifying device.

Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation system includes a receiver for receiving real-time traffic information (RTTI), a database for storing routine trip information, and a processor for running a regular route application. The regular route application includes a learning mode program and an operational mode program. The learning mode program records information regarding trips regularly taken by a vehicle and populates the database with records of routine trip information. The recorded trip information can include driver identifiers, trip departure times, origin points, destination points, dates of travel, days of travel, and route data. When the vehicle begins a new trip, the operational mode program determines whether the vehicle is engaging in a routine trip. This is accomplished by comparing current vehicle location or departure time information to routine trip information in the database.

Abstract: A navigation system and navigation equipment which reduce the time required for radio transmissions to implement fast navigational guidance. The navigation equipment communicates bi-directionally by radio with a navigation server, thereby providing navigational guidance. The navigation equipment transmits position data delivered by a GPS receiver to the navigation server through a communication device and acquires, from the communication device, map data for display indicative of a map of a surrounding area including a self-location provided by the position data sent back from the navigation server.

Abstract: A location-based and preference-based system and method for matching the profiles of the attributes and/or characteristics of persons, places and/or things with the expressed preferences of mobile users such as travelers, to alert and direct such users to any places having attributes matching the user's express preferences. In particular, the system comprises a mobile device such as a GPS-capable PDA that stores the user's preferences and communicates with a server that contains or accesses the profiles of the persons, places or things to compare the profiles and preferences. Comparison of the user's preferences with the various profiles allows the user only to be informed of those persons, places and/or things that it is likely to be interested in. The system and method thus provides for a mobile real-time point of interest exchange network.

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 system for storing geospecific data for use by an interactive computing environment utilizes separate terrain height data storage and image data storage. The terrain height data storage stores blocks of terrain height data which are defined as discrete terrain heights coinciding with a grid of discrete points at the surface of a planetary body. Terrain heights for each block are stored in a row major order starting with one discrete point of a grid associated therewith being referenced to a latitude and longitude. In a similar fashion, the image data storage stores blocks of image data defined as discrete image intensities coinciding with a grid of discrete points at the surface of the planetary body. Image intensities for each block are stored in a row major order starting with one discrete point of a grid associated therewith being referenced to a latitude and longitude.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system for tracking events that occur at specific locations of a transportation route and alerting a driver of an impending significant event includes a location determination unit for determining an instantaneous location of the vehicle, and an event determination unit coupled to the location determination unit and responsive to the instantaneous location of the vehicle for communicating with an events database for obtaining an impending traffic sign that the vehicle is about to confront based on the vehicle's instantaneous location. A decision module coupled to the event determination unit is responsive to current parameters of the vehicle for determining whether the current parameters of the vehicle are conducive to safe driving based on the impending event, and a warning unit coupled to the decision module is responsive to at least one current parameter of the vehicle not being conducive to safe driving for alerting the driver of the impending event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules. The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local wireless devices.

Abstract: An inter-vehicle communication method according to the present invention performs communication by sequentially relaying transmission information among vehicles. For broadcasting the transmission information to peripheral vehicles, a vehicle transmitting the transmission information designates relay vehicles and causes the relay vehicles to broadcast reception information to peripheral vehicles of the relay vehicles. In order to designate the relay vehicles, the vehicle transmitting the transmission information receives positional information from its peripheral vehicles, identifies branch roads on which the respective peripheral vehicles exist by referring to map information, and designates as relay vehicles peripheral vehicles farthest away from the vehicle transmitting the transmission information on the respective branch roads.

Abstract: A vehicle surrounding area imaging system is configured to allow a driver to easily view and verify an image surrounding a peripheral side of the vehicle. The vehicle surrounding area imaging system basically has two cameras, a navigation system, a startup imaging determination unit and a monitor. The cameras take images of the areas to the sides of the vehicle to acquire images. The navigation system detects the current position of the vehicle. The startup imaging determination unit detects predetermined road regions that requires an image to be displayed from the periphery around the vehicle based on the current position detected by the navigation system as well as map information. The monitor selectively displays the images acquired by the cameras before the vehicle enters into one of the predetermined road region that requires an image display.

Abstract: A navigation device in which, in accordance with a scrolling instruction given by a user during display on a first screen, a map image is scrolled along a road on which a vehicle position mark is positioned up to a position in a second screen in which a next main intersection is situated at the center of the screen. Regardless of whether a guide route is set, the map image can be scrolled along the road, and the scrolling is stopped at a main intersection that the user wants to confirm.

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: There is provided a method for displaying aircraft positions, which is capable of effectively avoiding the occurrence of near miss or collision. The method displays the terrain of an air space under air traffic control apparently in three dimensions on a display screen, displays aircraft marks at positions on the display screen so as to correspond to the three-dimensional positions of the respective aircraft, and displays a warning mark when a distance between two aircraft is shorter than a threshold value, wherein the warning mark comprises a triangle having three apexes, which comprise the aircraft marks, and a position that is apart from the aircraft mark of one of the aircraft along a vertical line extending perpendicular to the one aircraft toward a ground surface of the terrain by a distance corresponding to an altitude difference between both aircrafts on the display screen.

Abstract: In the case where variations in ground objects in one and the same area are detected between a line drawing map describing profile lines of the ground objects or a reference line drawing/image obtained by picking up the ground objects from above, and a target image obtained by picking up the ground objects in the same area from above later on, a variation detecting apparatus collates the reference line drawing/image with the target image so as to obtain variation indexes indicating whether there are variations or not in the ground objects respectively, and displays ground objects which can be judged to have variations or ground objects which cannot be judged as to whether there are variations or not on the basis of the variation indexes, in a display mode in which an area of the reference line drawing/image including the ground objects and an area of the target image including the ground objects can be compared with each other.