Abstract: The navigation apparatus includes a unit for displaying a real image on a display screen on the basis of real image data, and a unit for displaying additional information such as a primary place name or a primary building name in a position where the additional information should be displayed on the real image, on the basis of additional information data corresponding to the additional information and position data showing the position where the additional information should be displayed. Further, the navigation apparatus has a function of limiting the display area of the additional information so as to prevent the additional information from being displayed in an area having a relatively high level of importance. Thus, the real image is prevented from being difficult to see in the area having a high level of importance.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing location information in a mobile communication system. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving coordinates of current location of a GPS terminal and a request for location information which includes coordinates of geographical features adjacent to the GPS terminal from the GPS terminal; b) generating location information having coordinates of the geographical features adjacent to the GPS terminal; and c) transmitting the location information to the GPS terminal.

Abstract: A list of places of interest geographically located near a travel route may be generated by accessing a routing database storing shape points capable of defining a travel route, determining a travel route from the shape points stored in the routing database, accessing a place of interest database including geographic centers, selecting from the places of interest database at least one geographic center that is geographically proximate to the travel route, and generating a list of places of interest associated with at least one of the selected geographic centers.

Abstract: Vehicles (106) are equipped with two-way communication units (401) that communicate with roadside (114) and vehicular mounted two-way communication units to receive and/or exchange journey-related information. When approaching a geographic zone that does not support such services, a given vehicle (106) can receive at least a partial download of journey-related information concerning the second geographic zone (102) while still proximal to the entry border (107) for that zone (102). The download can be implemented wirelessly, through hard physical contact, or both. The download may also be at least partially concluded while traveling within the second geographic zone (102) through use of a second non-compatible wireless service such as wireless telephony.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and program product are provided for controlling the number of symbols presented on an vehicle electronic map display by using a first threshold constant for the number of symbols to be presented in FULL detail and a second threshold constant for the number of symbols to be presented in MINIMUM detail. In a first embodiment, the total number of selected symbols is compared to the threshold constants for each symbol type. In a second embodiment, the number of symbols of each type is compared to the respective threshold constants for each type. Excessive map clutter is avoided without regard to the map range selected by the user and for both high density and sparse map regions.

Abstract: In order to intuitively recognize a display relating to a route on a map, data of character strings and figures to be displayed on the map are stored in advance by relating a target designated by a character string or a figure to an associated link or node. When a recommended route is computed, character strings and figures related to a link and node through which the recommended route runs are displayed on the map together with the recommended route with emphasis in comparison to the other character strings and figures.

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 corridor search process is used to identify locations of interest along a travel route. The corridor search process identifies locations of interest along a travel route by using a grid search process that first identifies shape points that correspond to the travel route. Each shape point is associated with a portion of a grid system used to delineate a region of geography through which the route traverses. The portions of the grid system correspond to a corridor along the travel route. References to redundant portions of the grid system are removed, and locations of interest are identified based on an association between a location of interest with a particular portion of the grid system.

Abstract: The input operation recognizing section 13 recognizes an input operation to execute re-search in the operating section 4. The facility search control section 10 makes the facility search section 9 execute re-search. The re-search by the facility search section 9 is carried out by searching, from facilities belonging to the same group as that of those detected in the previous search, facilities other than those detected in the previous search. With the present invention, when the re-search as described above is to be performed, user's operation for specifying a facility is not required, which improves the convenience in facility search.

Abstract: A broadcasting center multiplexes contents obtained by adding information indicative of presentation conditions including a “location”, a “moving direction”, and the “period of validity of data” to stream data. A broadcasting wave dispatching apparatus transmits the contents to the entire information provided area through a broadcasting wave. A reception terminal apparatus mounted in a vehicle receives the broadcasting wave distributed by the broadcasting station while the vehicle is passing through the information provided area. The reception terminal apparatus then separates the multiplexed contents from the received signal for storage. It also obtains status information including the location of the vehicle, the current time, and the moving direction of the vehicle, from information provided by a vehicle location measuring apparatus. The reception terminal apparatus then sequentially compares the status information with the presentation condition information, added to the stored contents.

Abstract: An information display system including an input device that inputs a scheduled event, a schedule storage in which the schedule is stored, a display device that displays a map, a memory that stores map information and the scheduled event, and a controller that displays a schedule reminder message on the map at a specified time before the scheduled event is to occur.

Abstract: An electronic device is built including a memory, a processor, and a display. The processor is configured to calculate an array of estimated travel time data from a first location to a plurality of locations within a destination area from a set of situational parameters and a set of user parameters. These situational parameters may include data such as: the location, condition, and speed limits of roads and paths; the availability of public transportation; terrain information such as elevation, slope, the presence of trails and vegetation; and weather information such as wind speed and precipitation. User parameters may include data such as: the user's mode of transportation, the user's physical abilities, and the load the user is carrying.

Abstract: A satellite broadcasting system is disclosed wherein, when a broadcasting program is broadcast by satellite broadcasting, each viewer can receive a different broadcasting program depending upon the district in which the viewer is present. A broadcasting program is composed of an area designation part in which a list of areas in which the broadcasting program is to be broadcast is accommodated and broadcasting contents themselves. The broadcasting program is received by a radio wave reception section. A current position acquisition section detects the current position of a receiver. The current position is compared with an area to physical district coordination table and converted into an area name by a current area detection section.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting simple recognition of a position to make simple recognition of a position of an object including a processor which stores place-name information corresponding to each position,fetches position information to show the current position of the object, selects the place-name information corresponding to the fetched position information generates assistant information to display the selected place name information and outputs the assistant information.

Abstract: Humans identify location and directions based on visual cues, such as landmarks, rather than a precise coordinate grid. A database of landmarks can be used to determine the location of a user who can merely describe their location in the same manner they would to any human contact. The location of the user can be determined based on the landmarks described in the input, and the areas from which all of those landmarks are visible. Various databases can be used, including text-based and three-dimensional. Similarly, various mechanisms can be used to determine the user's location, including hierarchical approaches, query optimization approaches, and visibility percentage approaches. Ultimately, the user's location can be determined without the need for expensive, dedicated infrastructure, without compromising the user's security, and without subjecting the user to system outages.

Abstract: A navigation route obstructed-by-building detection unit detects that a navigation route is obstructed by buildings, and a modified navigation route drawing unit in a navigation route drawing unit displays the navigation route by lifting it on or above the buildings. At the time, a ratio of obstructed portion calculating unit calculates the ratio of the portion of the navigation route obstructed by the buildings, and a display of navigation route in lifted state discriminating unit determines whether or not the ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. When the ratio is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, an amount of navigation route displayed in lifted state calculating unit calculates a lifting amount, and a modified navigation route drawing unit displays the navigation route by lifting it by the lifting amount.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for a navigation system for receiving traffic information and displaying traffic incidents in a manner easily and quickly comprehensible by a user of the navigation system. The navigation system applies various criteria to the traffic incidents and the route to the destination and determines an order of displaying the traffic incidents in accordance with the degrees of severity to the driving to the intended or calculated route to the destination. In other aspect, instead of assigning the listing order, colors are assigned to the traffic incident icons based on the degrees of severity.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for a geographic database is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of locations along roads including data indicating altitudes at the plurality of locations is provided. Road grade values for a plurality of subsections of the road are computed; each of the subsections is a portion of the road between two of the locations. A plurality of temporary change points are identified as joining two adjacent subsections having road grade values that differ by a value greater than a predetermined amount. Road grade values for each part of the road between adjacent temporary change points are computed. Consecutive parts of the road having road grade values that falls within a predetermined range are grouped into at least one constant road grade section. The geographic database stores data that define the constant road grade section.

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

Abstract: A parking system of a vehicle is disclosed. The parking system is connected with a position input connection, for receiving vehicle position information from a positioning system. The system comprises a map database for extracting map information related to parking information for at least one of a current parking section and a nearby area, based on the vehicle position information, and an output connection for providing, based on the extracted parking information, an alerting signal indicating the extracted parking information.

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

Abstract: A method and device are provided to determine a location corresponding to an entry in a database stored in an electronic device; determine a current position of the electronic device; obtain navigational information from the current position to the location; and provide the navigational information to a user.

Abstract: A navigation system provides information about railroad crossing locations. A geographic database used by the navigation system includes data that indicate whether an at-grade railroad crossing is located along a road segment. Using this information, a route calculation function in the navigation system calculates a route to a destination that avoids road segments that have at-grade railroad crossings. In this way, the delays associated with waiting for a train to cross a road are avoided.

Abstract: A navigation device displays major routes and direction indications without a specific destination requirement. Where several possible destinations are presented, the device displays information for a destination at or when nearing decision points for traveling to the destination. Direction indicators can be presented on top of an appropriately scaled map having routes displayed which are integral to the indicators and directions. A destination displayed may be selected to retrieve detailed driving instructions to that specific destination. In one embodiment, the navigation device displays direction indications to major destinations, entrances, exits, and other important facilities in a “highway sign” fashion at major decision points.

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

Abstract: An integrated position and direction system is disclosed that includes a digital compass, a communication module, and a satellite positioning system having a receiver adapted to receive satellite position determining signals. Signals that are received from satellites are used to determine position of the integrated position and direction system. A method for updating data is disclosed in which the integrated position and direction system communicates with a remote site and sends a determined position to the remote site. A response is generated and is transmitted to the integrated position and direction system that includes data relating to features located near the determined position. The received data is used to generate a display that indicates the position and the orientation of the features relative to the integrated position and direction system.

Abstract: A navigation method and system for accurately determining an optimum route to a destination where such a destination is within a large compound such as a shopping mall, an apartment complex, or the like without requiring a specially made database. The navigation method and system is designed to search for an entrance (target address) by detecting a link in map data, to the large compound within a predetermined distance from an original address. The navigation system evaluates possible routes and selects the best route to the target address. When the road in front of the large compound is constituted by two one-way roads, the navigation method and system searches for a link between the two one-way roads allowing a U-turn and selecting the best route to the target address including the U-turn.

Abstract: A navigation method and system for extracting point of interest (POI) data from a map data source and sorting the POIs by distance from a current user position to display the same at high speed without requiring a large memory. The navigation system aligns the cells each having specified POI in an cell array and classifies the cells into a plurality of different levels based on[, for example, a] distance (first sorting operation) from the current user position, or positions of the cells in the cell array relative to the cell closest to the user position. The navigation system extracts the POIs from the cells in the specified level, sorts the POIs by distance (second sorting operation), and displays the POIs. During each process, the navigation system retrieves and processes only a small amount of POIs sufficient for the current display screen and immediate scrolls of few pages.

Abstract: The present invention provides for delivering content, such as information, advertisements, directions, and news, to a mobile terminal based on location. The mobile terminal is configured to determine its location and whether content is available based on internal records. If content is available, the mobile terminal may initiate correspondence with an application server to obtain the content. The mobile terminal may keep a table identifying the availability of content for defined locations. Preferably, the locations relate to cells within a wireless network wherein the mobile terminal will check for the availability of content for a given cell and request the content. The mobile terminal may check for the availability of content periodically or when the servicing cell changes.

Abstract: A dynamic method of delivering regionally relevant information to a plurality of geographically disperse and mobile environments, such as, for example, motor vehicles, allows passengers to immediately access regionally relevant information, such as weather, traffic, points of interest, restaurants, advertisements for local establishments, etc., without incurring expensive air-time from connecting through cellular infrastructure. The invention utilizes a filtering process referred to herein as dynamic geo filter/fencing (DGFF). This involves a receiver element in a mobile environment, such as a motor vehicle, taking a geo-code reading (e.g., latitude and longitude readings obtained from a GPS satellite via a GPS receiver) for identifying the location of the vehicle, then logically drawing a fence around that location reading, for example two miles square. At a separate location (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of searching for features of interest in proximity to a mobile vehicle. A vehicle location coordinate and a vehicle proximity parameter are provided to a vehicle proximity search application. The application generates a vehicle proximity area for the mobile vehicle based on the mobile vehicle location coordinate and the vehicle proximity parameter. The application may access a database containing features of interest. A feature or element of interest that has any portion of it in the vehicle proximity area is selected. The distance from each feature of interest to the mobile vehicle location is calculated.

Abstract: Humans identify location and directions based on visual cues, such as landmarks, rather than a precise coordinate grid. A database of landmarks can be used to determine the location of a user who can merely describe their location in the same manner they would to any human contact. The location of the user can be determined based on the landmarks described in the input, and the areas from which all of those landmarks are visible. Various databases can be used, including text-based and three-dimensional. Similarly, various mechanisms can be used to determine the user's location, including hierarchical approaches, query optimization approaches, and visibility percentage approaches. Ultimately, the user's location can be determined without the need for expensive, dedicated infrastructure, without compromising the user's security, and without subjecting the user to system outages.

Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle movements on a road network. The system provides for identification data and road information transmission between a vehicle and a traffic information center. The road network is so arranged as to be entered into the system in such a way that it is regarded as a data network, and each vehicle that is intended to make use of the road network is logged in for travelling on the road network, and each vehicle identifies itself at the time of logging in, the identity is either dynamic or static. Information relating to the intended destination is transmitted for each vehicle to the traffic information center, and information about the position and the speed of the vehicle is also reported at regular intervals to the aforementioned traffic information center, so that overall control of the traffic is achieved.

Abstract: A database stores map data including road network data and landmark data. A route search unit searches for a route from a departure point to a destination point from the road network data stored in the database. A road pattern analysis unit analyzes a route pattern of the route by referring to the road network data, and obtains road pattern data as the analysis result. A landmark selection area decision unit determines a landmark selection area for route guidance along the route based on the road network data and the road pattern data. A landmark selection unit selects landmark data included in the landmark selection area from said database. A route guidance information generation unit generates route guidance information of the route using the road pattern data and the landmark data selected by the landmark selection unit. A presentation unit presents the route guidance information.

Abstract: A system is provided for directing region-specific information. The system locates and transmits information to location-specific users. A directed information system links information related to the location-specific users. The directed information system has access to a regionally defined data base for directing region-specific information to location specific-users.

Abstract: A map information providing method, a map information providing system, and a recording medium on which the method programed is recorded is provided, wherein a client terminal unit 3 including a display monitor accesses a map information site (a Web-server 1) through a communication line (the Internet 2). An institution or its related information is inputted, and the Web-server 1 calculates azimuth information consisting of a direction and a distance to the institution from an arbitrary position around a present position, decides a surrounding area to be displayed, and transmits a map of the surrounding area along with the azimuth information to the terminal unit to display them.

Abstract: An integrated data collection system which automates the collection of timber cruise data. A navigation system is integrated with a data collection system so that real-time positional data is fed directly into the data collection system. The invention guides a forester along a pre-defined cruise route and alerts the forester when a destination point is reached. The forester is then prompted to initiate a data collection cycle. Position data, cruise grid data (such as plot number), and other information is then automatically transferred from the navigation system to the data collection system. When the forester then inputs tree data (such as height, diameter, etc.), that data is automatically linked to the positional and cruise grid data transferred from the navigation system.

Abstract: A navigation route obstructed-by-building detection unit detects that a navigation route is obstructed by buildings, and a modified navigation route drawing unit in a navigation route drawing unit displays the navigation route by lifting it on or above the buildings. At the time, a ratio of obstructed portion calculating unit calculates the ratio of the portion of the navigation route obstructed by the buildings, and a display of navigation route in lifted state discriminating unit determines whether or not the ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. When the ratio is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, an amount of navigation route displayed in lifted state calculating unit calculates a lifting amount, and a modified navigation route drawing unit displays the navigation route by lifting it by the lifting amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to icons used to represent properties in a real-estate market information system. The icons of the present invention provide additional information about the property associated with the icon when displayed on a digital map.

Abstract: Inputting a profile of a user; detecting a current position of the user; previously recording service information on shops or the like in a recording device associated with the current position of the user and the profile of the user; and retrieving and selecting the service information on the shops or the like recorded in the recording device according to the inputted profile and the detected current position of the user to notify the user permit providing appropriate service information required by the user to the user by a push type information notification system.

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

Abstract: A mobile computing device has a touch sensitive display screen for displaying an image including a pictorial representation of a location. A user supplies a request to the device for information relating to parts of the location shown in the pictorial representation. A GPS system and compass in the device produce data relating to the current position and current orientation of the device. A controller of the device responds to the data to select the pictorial representation.

Abstract: A navigation device is provided with detailed map information of service areas and parking areas on freeways, and in the event that the vehicle to which the navigation device is mounted enters a service area for example while driving along the freeway which is a guided route, the navigation device reads out detailed map information of the service area which the vehicle has entered and displays a detailed map of this area such that the driver can readily understand the location of parking space, restaurants, stores, etc., and also displays the current position of the vehicle. Thus, in the event that the vehicle enters a service area or parking area while on a guided route, where what is within the area and where the vehicle is can be displayed in a readily understood manner, by the vehicle entering the area.

Abstract: The navigation apparatus includes a unit for displaying a real image on a display screen on the basis of real image data, and a unit for displaying additional information such as a primary place name or a primary building name in a position where the additional information should be displayed on the real image, on the basis of additional information data corresponding to the additional information and position data showing the position where the additional information should be displayed. Further, the navigation apparatus has a function of limiting the display area of the additional information so as to prevent the additional information from being displayed in an area having a relatively high level of importance. Thus, the real image is prevented from being difficult to see in the area having a high level of importance.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting simple recognition of a position to make simply recognition of a position of an object includes place-name information storage means 10d1 for storing place-name information corresponding to an each position, position information fetch means 10a1 for fetching position information to show the current position of the object, place-name information select means 10a2 for selecting the place-name information corresponding to the position information fetched by the position information fetch means 10a1 from the place-name information storage means 10d1, assistant information generating means 10a3 for generating assistant information to display the place name information selected by the place-name information select means 10a2 and assistant information output means 10a4 for outputting the assistant information generated by the assistant information generating means 10a3.

Abstract: In order to provide a navigation system intelligibly providing various information which contains information to vary with time and is expected by the user, without increasing quantity of the information to be transmitted to a terminal mounted on a car, a navigation system is constituted with an information offering equipment and an information display system, and said information offering equipment has an individual information reception means to obtain individual information through a network and a data transmission means to transmit the received information to the information display system, and said information display system has a data receiver receiving the data from the information offering equipment, a map display means, an icon display means displaying the receive data on a map, an icon select means, and a detailed information display means which displays the detailed information of an icon selected.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a feature that allows a user to specify a type of point of interest (or business chain) and then receive a reminder when the user is in proximity to a location of the point of interest of the specified type (or business chain) while traveling in a geographic region.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively implementing an electronic visual map device comprises a visual map application that provides selected route images for display upon a display device in an initial route mode. The visual map application may also provide selected destination images and related destination information for display upon the display device in a final destination mode. The route images and the destination images may be stored locally in a memory device, or alternately may be downloaded as needed from a distributed computer network using a network manager.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information to a user at a resort, including a housing configured for being held and/or worn by the user; a power source for providing power; receiver circuitry situated in the housing for receiving resort-specific information; a memory unit situated in the housing and configured to store the resort-specific information; location determination circuitry including GPS circuitry configured to receive signals from GPS satellites for determining a geographical position of the apparatus; a processing arrangement including a communication unit configured to communicate the resort-specific information to the user; and a transmitting arrangement configured to wirelessly transmit at least the geographical position of the apparatus.

Abstract: A parking system of a vehicle is disclosed. The parking system is connected with a position input connection, for receiving vehicle position information from a positioning system. The system comprises a map database for extracting map information related to parking information for at least one of a current parking section and a nearby area, based on said vehicle position information, and an output connection for providing, based on said extracted parking information, an alerting signal indicating said extracted parking information.