Abstract: Disclosed are an occupancy distance map (ODM) information reliability determination system and method and a vehicle using the same. The system includes a signal conversion unit configured to receive a plurality of sensing signals and to perform signal processing, a calculation unit configured to calculate state information of a nearby vehicle detected from processed signals, a sensor fusion track output unit configured to output sensor fusion track information based on the calculated state information of the nearby vehicle, an ODM output unit configured to output ODM information based on the calculated state information of the nearby vehicle, an ODM fusion unit configured to generate sensor fusion ODM information by performing sensor fusion with respect to the ODM information, and an ODM information reliability determination unit configured to determine reliability of the sensor fusion ODM information by confirming association between the sensor fusion track information and the sensor fusion ODM information.

Abstract: A user, such as the driver of a vehicle, to retrieve information related to a point of interest (POI) near the vehicle by pointing at the POI or performing some other gesture to identify the POI. Gesture recognition is performed on the gesture to generate a target region that includes the POI that the user identified. After generating the target region, information about the POI can be retrieved by querying a server-based POI service with the target region or by searching in a micromap that is stored locally. The retrieved POI information can then be provided to the user via a display and/or speaker in the vehicle. This process beneficially allows a user to rapidly identify and retrieve information about a POI near the vehicle without having to navigate a user interface by manipulating a touchscreen or physical buttons.

Abstract: LK-SURF, Robust Kalman Filter, HAR-SLAM, and Landmark Promotion SLAM methods are disclosed. LK-SURF is an image processing technique that combines Lucas-Kanade feature tracking with Speeded-Up Robust Features to perform spatial and temporal tracking using stereo images to produce 3D features can be tracked and identified. The Robust Kalman Filter is an extension of the Kalman Filter algorithm that improves the ability to remove erroneous observations using Principal Component Analysis and the X84 outlier rejection rule. Hierarchical Active Ripple SLAM is a new SLAM architecture that breaks the traditional state space of SLAM into a chain of smaller state spaces, allowing multiple tracked objects, multiple sensors, and multiple updates to occur in linear time with linear storage with respect to the number of tracked objects, landmarks, and estimated object locations. In Landmark Promotion SLAM, only reliable mapped landmarks are promoted through various layers of SLAM to generate larger maps.

Abstract: A map having surfaces that are depicted at different levels that are not related to topography, with boundaries between the surfaces, where the boundaries are disposed at travel ways. The travel ways form cliff faces in the map between the surfaces, with information items disposed on the cliff faces at positions corresponding to items of interest at locations along the travel ways where the information items are disposed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing physical navigation guidance via augmented reality (AR) environments are provided. An AR experience is generated based on navigation information including a starting location and a destination location. The AR experience comprises physical navigation guidance from the starting location to the destination location using virtual elements that are associated with either or both the starting location and/or the destination location. For example, virtual elements in the AR environment can transition from virtual elements associated with the starting location to virtual elements associated with the destination location as the user progresses from the starting location to the destination location.

Abstract: A method includes receiving information from each device in multiple devices of one user, where the information includes a device type, determining, according to at least the received information, a device responding to a voice instruction in the multiple devices, and sending a message to a device different from the device responding to a voice instruction in the multiple devices, where the message is used to instruct a voice assistant of the different device not to respond to the voice instruction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for navigating and mapping a workspace, including: obtaining a stream of spatial data indicative of a robot's position in a workspace, the stream of spatial data being based on at least output of a first sensor; obtaining a stream of movement data indicative of the robot's displacement in the workspace, the stream of movement data being based on at least output of a second sensor of different type than the first sensor; navigating along a path of the robot in the workspace based on the stream of spatial data; while navigating, mapping at least part of the workspace based on the stream of spatial data to form or update a spatial map in memory; and switching to a second mode of operation if the stream of spatial data is unavailable due to the first sensor becoming impaired or inoperative.

Abstract: A terminal device includes: a sensor configured to detect first and second current position information of a moving player at first and second times; a memory configured to store first and second area information identified in in response to a correspondence relationship between the detected current position information and one or a plurality of areas, and an instruction command; and a processor configured to execute firstly identify the first area information in response to the correspondence relationship, secondly identify the second area information in response to the correspondence relationship, and transmit at least one of the second current position information and the second area information to a server device via a communication interface when the first area information is different from the second area information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented messaging system for sharing location specific information. Users of the messaging system may provide a message about a specific location. The message can be displayed as a tag. The messaging system can comprise a map-based interface, and a plurality of tags on the map-based interface. The tags may be (i) positioned adjacent to a specific location and (ii) oriented to point towards the specific location. The tags may be configured to display at least a portion of a message about the specific location.

Abstract: A system for mapping and localization includes first and second robotic devices and fiducial tags placed at predetermined positions of an environment. The quality of the first robotic device is better than the second robotic device. The first robotic device prepares a high resolution multilayer map, and the second robotic device uses the multilayer map for fast and accurate localization. The first robotic device has a visual sensor and a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, and is configured to prepare the multilayer map by: constructing a feature point cloud layer of the environment using images captured by the visual sensor; building a tag layer comprising identifications and locations of the tags; constructing an occupancy map using LIDAR scans; and forming the multilayer map having the feature point cloud layer, the tag layer, and the occupancy map layer, which share the same coordinate system.

Abstract: LK-SURF, Robust Kalman Filter, HAR-SLAM, and Landmark Promotion SLAM methods are disclosed. LK-SURF is an image processing technique that combines Lucas-Kanade feature tracking with Speeded-Up Robust Features to perform spatial and temporal tracking using stereo images to produce 3D features can be tracked and identified. The Robust Kalman Filter is an extension of the Kalman Filter algorithm that improves the ability to remove erroneous observations using Principal Component Analysis and the X84 outlier rejection rule. Hierarchical Active Ripple SLAM is a new SLAM architecture that breaks the traditional state space of SLAM into a chain of smaller state spaces, allowing multiple tracked objects, multiple sensors, and multiple updates to occur in linear time with linear storage with respect to the number of tracked objects, landmarks, and estimated object locations. In Landmark Promotion SLAM, only reliable mapped landmarks are promoted through various layers of SLAM to generate larger maps.

Abstract: A map having surfaces that are depicted at different levels that are not related to topography, with boundaries between the surfaces, where the boundaries are disposed at travel ways. The travel ways form cliff faces in the map between the surfaces, with information items disposed on the cliff faces at positions corresponding to items of interest at locations along the travel ways where the information items are disposed.

Abstract: An example waypoint navigator method includes identifying a local waypoint using image recognition on an image of the local waypoint displayed on a mobile device. The example method also includes overlaying on the image of the local waypoint, a visual direction to the remote waypoint based on identifying the local waypoint, the visual direction based on context. The example method also includes updating the visual direction based on changes in the context.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a voice output service in a vehicle can include: a controller configured to detect whether a driver enters the vehicle, determine a recommended function for the driver based on information of the driver and information of a state of the vehicle when it is detected that the driver enters the vehicle, and generate a voice output service message for informing the driver of the recommended function; and an output device configured to output the generated voice output service message.

Abstract: A trip gauge for a vehicle information display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. The trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. Moreover, the positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. Accordingly, drivers may be either reassured that they are expected to reach their destination successfully or warned if they are not so the drivers can modify their driving behavior or change their destination.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may provide a method for presenting a list of relevance-ranked milestone locations in a navigation system user interface. Methods may include: determining a current, map-matched location and a direction of travel; determining a plurality of milestone locations based on the current, map-matched location and the direction of travel; determining a priority ranking of the plurality of milestone locations; and providing for display of a subset of the plurality of milestone locations having the highest priority. Methods may optionally include providing for display of an estimated travel time to each of the milestone locations of the subset of the plurality of milestone locations, where the estimated travel time is based on a distance from the current, map-matched location and dynamic traffic awareness.

Abstract: The route speed of a mobile global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation unit in a vehicle movable along one of a plurality of available route segments of a route having a plurality of intersections, is determined by locating a first and a second of the intersections, by locating a start boundary point, by locating a plurality of end boundary points for all the route segments, and by receiving geographic location information of the vehicle at an initial trajectory point located past the start boundary point, and a subsequent trajectory point past the end boundary point in the one route segment into which the vehicle moved. The trajectory points are associated with trajectory times. A server determines the route speed of the one route segment by dividing a differential distance between the trajectory points by a differential time between the trajectory times. The route speed of the other route segments is likewise determined to aid in route optimization.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating and using a spatio-temporal model that defines pose values for a plurality of objects in an environment and corresponding times associated with the pose values. Some implementations relate to using observations for one or more robots in an environment to generate a spatio-temporal model that defines pose values and corresponding times for multiple objects in the environment. In some of those implementations, the model is generated based on uncertainty measures associated with the pose values. Some implementations relate to utilizing a generated spatio-temporal model to determine the pose for each of one or more objects an environment at a target time. The pose for an object at a target time is determined based on one or more pose values for the object selected based on a corresponding measurement time, uncertainty measure, and/or source associated with the pose values.

Abstract: Sampling data is disclosed. A region of a map to be rendered is determined. It is determined that a first subregion is included in the region. Data points associated with subregions in a neighborhood of the first subregion are analyzed to determine a regional density of points. Data points associated with the first subregion are sampled based on the regional density of points.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing map independent location-based notifications. The location-based notification platform causes an initiation of at least one spatial event request for one or more location-based notifications. The at least one spatial event request specifies at least one bounded area in which at least one device is located or to arrive. The location-based notification platform in response to the at least one spatial event request, receives at least one spatial polygon. The at least one spatial polygon represents at least one geographic area that is determined based on the at least one bounded area, and the at least one spatial polygon is associated with the one or more location-based notifications or one or more triggers for the one or more location-based notifications. The location-based notification platform then causes an overlay of the at least one spatial polygon on at least one travel network traveled by the at least one device.

Abstract: Advantages of both conventional and digital maps can be obtained by utilizing a physical map as a type of input to any of various processing devices. In various embodiments, a user can capture an image of a physical map that includes at least one location of interest. The captured image can be matched with stored map information to obtain location information corresponding to the captured image. The location information can be used to provide any of a variety of types of functionality to the user, such as providing navigation directions to that location, displaying information about attractions around that location or statistics about that location, etc. The user in some embodiments can annotate the map to provide additional input, such as areas of interest, exclusion regions, and/or proposed driving routes.

Abstract: Dynamic location tracking may be performed by a mobile app executing on a mobile computing device. A first geo-fence of a predefined size is set on a mobile operating system of a mobile computing device to notify a mobile app when the first geo-fence is crossed by the mobile computing device. The notification occurs even when the mobile app is suspended or not running. Notification is received from the mobile operating system that the mobile computing device has crossed the first geo-fence. A location of the mobile computing device is received. A second geo-fence is set on a mobile operating system of the mobile computing device based on the location of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for a vehicle that does not provide driving instructions or information to a driver when the driver is traveling along a familiar route, but does provide audible driving instructions or information when a route deviation event includes one or more processors, a vehicle navigation system display, one or more audio speakers, a satellite module, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. The one or more processors are configured to determine if the vehicle navigation system is on a familiar route and execute a Reduced Audible Mode, automatically, when the route is familiar. In addition, the one or more processors are operable to switch the vehicle navigation system from the Reduced Audible Mode to a Full Audible Mode when a route deviation event is detected.

Abstract: A location of a user within a venue can be determined by determining a location of a mobile device of the user within the venue. A user interaction with the mobile device while the user is located within the venue can be detected. Responsive to detecting the user interaction with the mobile device while the user is located within the venue, a sub-section within the venue at, or within a predetermined distance to, the location of the user within the venue, or at least one event that takes place in the sub-section within the venue at, or within a predetermined distance to, the location of the user within the venue, can be identified. The mobile device can be automatically navigated to an electronic page containing information for the sub-section within the venue or information for the at least one event that takes place in the sub-section within the venue.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating and using a spatio-temporal model that defines pose values for a plurality of objects in an environment and corresponding times associated with the pose values. Some implementations relate to using observations for one or more robots in an environment to generate a spatio-temporal model that defines pose values and corresponding times for multiple objects in the environment. In some of those implementations, the model is generated based on uncertainty measures associated with the pose values. Some implementations relate to utilizing a generated spatio-temporal model to determine the pose for each of one or more objects an environment at a target time. The pose for an object at a target time is determined based on one or more pose values for the object selected based on a corresponding measurement time, uncertainty measure, and/or source associated with the pose values.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first two-dimensional (2D) feature descriptor from a first image captured by an imaging camera in a first pose at a time of capture of the first image, the first pose including a first observation direction of the imaging camera. The method further includes storing, at an electronic device, a 3D feature descriptor including the first 2D feature descriptor and a representation of the first pose of the imaging camera. The method additionally includes determining a second 2D feature descriptor from a second image captured by the imaging camera in a second pose at a time of capture of the second image, the second pose including a second observation direction of the imaging camera. The method also includes storing the 3D feature descriptor with the second 2D feature descriptor and a representation of the second pose of the imaging camera.

Abstract: A user records a navigation instruction for a maneuver at a junction via their navigation device. The user indicates a distance before the junction at which the maneuver should be provided. The user does this by providing an input to the navigation device when a current position is at the relevant distance while driving around. The device then determines the maneuver in a digital map to be associated with the instruction by determining the next maneuver in a calculated route the user is following. The navigation device uploads the navigation instruction and the associated maneuver and distance to a central navigation instruction database. Other users may then download and use the navigation instruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for pre-fetching assets from content providers to user equipment (UE). In one embodiment, the UE initiates a pre-fetch operation to download assets from content providers in advance of an end user requesting the assets. The UE accesses a resource profile for the pre-fetch operation that indicates the content providers that have assets for the UE to download in advance for local storage on the UE, and defines a percentage of UE resources allocated to each of the content providers for downloading the assets during the pre-fetch operation. The UE may then download the assets from the content providers based on the resource profile, and store the assets in a local memory.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for providing suggestions for a search based on previously viewed content are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving information on previously viewed content, and receiving a request to enter a query into a search field subsequent to receiving the information on the previously viewed content. The method also includes identifying, based on the content, at least one entity referred to in the content, and providing an identifier of the at least one entity for display with the search field. Systems and machine-readable storage media are also provided.

Abstract: A technique for displaying labels on a digital map comprise displaying the digital map via a user interface at a first zoom level, including displaying non-overlapping labels. The method also comprises receiving, via the user interface, a request to zoom out from the digital map to a second zoom level, where the second zoom level corresponds to smaller magnification than the first zoom level, and where the plurality of labels have the same size at the first zoom level and the second zoom level. Still further, the method includes resolving collisions among the plurality of labels at the second zoom level in response to receiving the request and prior to zooming out from the first zoom level, and zooming out from the digital map at the first zoom level to the second zoom level via at least one intermediate zoom level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for augmenting situational awareness using a controllable window are described. An environmental condition within a field of view of the controllable window is determined. Light transmissivity of the controllable window is selectively changed based on the determined environmental condition. In some implementations, multiple points of view can be provided to multiple viewers.

Abstract: Techniques described herein allow a user to automatically associate an object with a location of the user and/or the object. This object and associated location may then be transferred to an entity for publishing the object and location on a map. For example, a user may capture a digital picture or video on a device and, in response, may automatically transmit the picture or video and corresponding location data for publishing to a map that is associated with the user. The described techniques also allow a user to create a journal that is associated with an annotated map. For instance, the user may create a journal having one or more portions that are associated with one or more portions of an annotated map. As a user consumes (e.g., reads, views, listens, etc.) the created journal, the view of the map or the displayed annotations may correspondingly change. Finally, the described techniques allow for creation of multiple overlays on a digital map.

Abstract: A system for handling errors in map data Dmap. Information I related to map data Dmap is determined by a determination unit. An identification unit then identifies at least one error in the map data Dmap on the basis of the information I determined. Thereafter a storage unit stores data D related to the at least one error identified in map data Dmap. A data providing unit can then at least partly disregard the map data Dmap including the error, when supplying map data Dmap, so that the stored data D may instead be used in decision making. The risk of decisions being based on erroneous map data Dmap may thus be minimized.

Abstract: According to an example, data pertaining to a plurality of entities recommended for a user may be accessed, in which the data identifies relationships between the plurality of entities with respect to each other. In addition, a relevance map for the user that displays graphical representations of the plurality of entities over a substantially optimized use of space available for display of the graphical representations in the relevance map may be generated, in which the graphical representations of the plurality of entities are arranged in the relevance map according to a predetermined arrangement scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining real-time video data and broadcasting it to a remote PC or other mobile computing device upon request by a user. The transmitting unit uses the cellular transmission network to transmit video data at high speeds and is a self-contained, autonomous unit of relatively small size. The unit can also be easily camouflaged to avoid detection when utilized as a surveillance device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wireless hotspot at a vehicle includes receiving one or more Wi-Fi control variables along with a vehicle identity at a central facility; authenticating the received Wi-Fi control variables at the central facility using the vehicle identity; establishing a cellular connection between the central facility and a vehicle providing the Wi-Fi hotspot identified by the transmitted vehicle identity; and transmitting a command to change the Wi-Fi control variables from the central facility to the vehicle when the Wi-Fi control variables have been authenticated.

Abstract: A system for improving the operation of a GPS based navigator. Statistical and/or time of day information is used to select the best route between a current location and a desired location. The statistical information may take into account anomalies, and a user can select the amount of risk they which take. The system can be updated with more updated information. In addition, the selection of the desired location can be carried out by downloading information from a PDA.

Abstract: If a destination set on a display 3 is a facility not having connection relation between facilities stored in a facility information DB 84, a scroll direction detecting unit 92 that detects a scroll direction of a map 31 detects a direction instructed for scroll as the scroll direction and a display controlling unit 94 performs scroll of the map 31 in the scroll direction. In addition, if the set destination is a facility having the connection relation between the facilities, the scroll direction detecting unit 92 that detects a scroll direction of the map 31 detects the scroll direction based on the connection relation of the destination and the direction instructed for scroll and the display controlling unit 94 performs the scroll of the map 31 to a position of a facility connected to the destination in the scroll direction.

Abstract: A system and method for providing fluent interaction between connectivity applications, personal information management applications and navigation applications. The present invention enables a user to launch navigation application directly from a “Contacts” application. This invention also enables the same result to be achieved in reverse, enabling direct access from a navigation application to contact information, eliminating the need for the user to manually access and enter information.

Abstract: Road grade is modeled over a region in which a vehicle is driven on roadways having a grade that varies over a plurality of predetermined grade ranges. A succession of grade values are generated while operating the vehicle at a predetermined rate, wherein each grade value identifies a respective grade range then being encountered. A Markov chain road-grade model is updated in response to the succession of grade values, wherein the model represents respective elements of probability in a matrix of transition events from each predetermined grade range to a respective next-in-succession grade range. Each element of the matrix has a value ?i,j representing a weighted frequency of transition events from a first respective grade value to a second respective grade value divided by a weighted frequency of transition events initiating from the first respective grade value, so that the matrix successively approximates the road grade of the region.

Abstract: Situational location dependent information is transmitted from a server data processing system to a receiving data processing system. The server data processing system communicates with the receiving data processing system in a manner by pushing content when appropriate. A candidate delivery event associated with a current positional attribute of the receiving data processing system is recognized and a situational location of the remote data processing system is determined. The candidate delivery event may be a location and/or direction change, device state change, or movement exceeding a movement tolerance. The situational location of the remote data processing system may be its location, direction, location and direction, proximity to a location, state change, or location and/or direction relative to a previous location and/or direction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Device, system and method of landmark-based routing and guidance; for example, an apparatus including a route guidance information generator adapted to generate route guidance information including one or more road-based references and one or more landmark-based references.

Abstract: Location information is used to build a database of locations having associated audio, video, image or text data. In some implementations, a device includes a touch-sensitive display and collects data associated with a geographic location of interest. The geographic location of interest can be displayed on a map using an indicator. A touch selection of the indicator provides access to the data through an interface displayed on the touch-sensitive display. One or more locations of interest can be displayed and grouped together by an attribute.

Abstract: Vehicle navigation systems and methods for presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle includes receiving, by a vehicle navigation system, application data from an application operating on the mobile device, wherein the application data from the application represents an entity in proximity to the vehicle. The method further includes displaying an icon representing the application data from the application on a map presented on the vehicle navigation system display. The icon is positioned on the map according to a geographic location of the entity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for wireless tower caching. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless tower caching in a radio access network (RAN) can include receiving a response to a request from an end user device wirelessly coupled to a base station of the RAN, determining geographic positioning data for the response and identifying a most geographically wireless tower coupled to the RAN relative to the determined geographic positioning data (such as the closest wireless tower to the determined geographic positioning data). Thereafter, the response can be cached at a cache in a base station of the identified wireless tower. In this way, the cached content can remain relevant for a significant period of time in as much as the correlation between a likely position of the end user device and the content cached at the base station of the wireless tower at the time of use of the cached content is strong.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic device with object guiding function and the method thereof. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a view window area, via which a user may watch a view. The electronic device may determine whether an object is located in the view window area when the user inputs the position of the object, and may further show an object indicating message or an object guiding message according to the determination result. Therefore, the electronic device is able to provide the user with short distance guiding function. In another embodiment, the electronic device may also show information related to the object located in the view window area, such as information about every mountain range, constellation, user's friends, or specific landmark that is located in the view window area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for wireless tower caching. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless tower caching in a radio access network (RAN) can include receiving a response to a request from an end user device wirelessly coupled to a base station of the RAN, determining geographic positioning data for the response and identifying a most geographically wireless tower coupled to the RAN relative to the determined geographic positioning data (such as the closest wireless tower to the determined geographic positioning data). Thereafter, the response can be cached at a cache in a base station of the identified wireless tower.

Abstract: A trip planner is provided for creating, modifying, categorizing, and sharing online trip plans. A trip plan includes a list of items such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions selected from a travel guide or provided by a user. An item can have a street address for positioning the item on a map, an image and description of the item, and other metadata assigned by the user, such as tags and notes. The trip planner can generate an itinerary listing the items, and a corresponding map showing the locations of the items. A trip plan can be shared with other users, who can locate the trip plan by searching for the tags or other metadata.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a route searching unit 130 for performing both a route search with car pool lanes being made usable between a current position detected by a current position detecting unit and a destination inputted by an input means, and a route search with car pool lanes being made unusable, a display means 2 for displaying either a route which uses a car pool lane or a route which does not use any car pool lane on the basis of route data showing the routes acquired through the route searches by the route searching unit, and a control unit 10 for switching between the route which uses a car pool lane and the route which does not use any car pool lane to display either of them on the display means according to an instruction inputted by the input means.

Abstract: Data relating to points-of-interest for a geographical area are retrieved from, for example, a travel site. Geo-tagged data relating to the points-of-interest are retrieved, for example, images from an image sharing service. Travel times between the points-of-interest are determined, for example, using a mapping service. The data relating to the points of interest, the geo-tagged data and the travel times are used to create a travel graph for the geographical area, such that the geo-tagged data is used to determine time users spend at specific points of interest. If a user requests a travel itinerary for a beginning and ending location within the geographical area, the travel graph is used to create a travel itinerary that maximizes a prize score for the itinerary within a time constraint. The prize score can reflect the popularity, number of users and time spent by users at the points-of-interest in the itinerary.