Abstract: Disclosed is a stride-based route guiding apparatus and method capable of providing a pedestrian with a stride-based route. The method includes detecting a stride of the pedestrian on the basis of a pace inherent to the pedestrian of interest and converting a remaining distance from a current position to a major position or destination into the number of steps so as to provide the pedestrian with the number of steps to the major position or destination when a route is shown, using a navigation system built in a mobile terminal. Since the route is shown on the basis of the number of steps inherent to the pedestrian, the pedestrian can receive the routing more familiar to herself or himself, and easily and intuitively perceive the route from the current position to the major position or destination.

Abstract: A navigation system for use in a subject vehicle for organizing a navigation instruction of a navigation route toward a destination in map data includes a closeness determination function for determining that a current position of the subject vehicle from the destination is a predetermined range, and a partial route audio navigation provision function for collectively providing the navigation instruction in an audible manner from the current position of the subject vehicle to the destination based on determination by the closeness determination function.

Abstract: A pedestrian navigation system provides distance information and travel directions to a destination. The system includes a pedestrian navigation device for navigating a pedestrian's route by means of a vibration, a server for offering navigation information to the pedestrian navigation device, a network for connecting the pedestrian navigation device with the server to permit communication between each other, and a GPS for offering position information to the pedestrian navigation device. Further, the pedestrian navigation device can include a speaker for outputting a guide voice based on the user's present position information, so as to start a voice guide after generating vibration, thereby facilitating verification of the guidance information provided.

Abstract: An interactive system and method for navigating a person from a starting point to a destination, using a wireless location determining device and a wireless navigating device. The person sends a request for navigational directions via the wireless location determining device. Using a database that contains the geographic location and a corresponding name of the starting point and the destination, the request is answered and navigational information is sent to the wireless navigating device. The database was previously established by recording the movement of subjects, using a wireless location determining device, as the subjects moved from place to place in their environment. When the number of occurrences of subjects passing by any individual location reached a predetermined threshold, the subjects were prompted to enter a name that described and corresponded to that location. Using the provided navigational information, the person moves from the starting point toward the destination.

Abstract: A method for navigating in a vehicle includes the steps of identifying navigation information for at least one destination. The navigation information is stored in at least a first memory remote from the vehicle. The navigation information is transferred from the first memory to a navigation device in the vehicle. The vehicle can then be navigated to the destination using the navigation device and the navigation information.

Abstract: System and method for automatically broadcasting voice-based prompt warnings toward an embarkation and/or disembarkation location at which passengers such as students and others may or will be present. The method is multi-model providing voice messages during an approach mode, a stop mode and a standby mode. Recorded human voice messages are employed for the prompt and are the recorded voices of one or more people having voice characteristics generally recognizable by the passengers to an extent effective to supplement the function of the immature prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: Driving directions can be helpful if in addition to spatial information, landmark information is provided. Landmarks assist in adding context to directions as well as allowing for a greater likelihood of success of an operator following directions. There can be employment of physical identification of landmarks as well as processing regarding the utility of a landmark in regards to driving directions. Driving directions can be highly useful if integrated landmarks relate to knowledge possessed by an operator of a vehicle. Landmark based driving direction can be integrated with advertisements that relate to the directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ‘Parking Location Reminder Device’ with means to remind drivers of the location of their parked vehicle. It comprises of housing containing a microphone, speaker and voice recorder; and is constructed in a way such that it can be attached to a vehicle key chain. Drivers record the location of their parked vehicle recorder of the said device using microphone as the audio input means. The parking location of the said vehicle is retrieved by playing back the recorded voice message using speaker as the audio output means. Means is also provided in the said device to record and playback other voice memos. Means is also provided in the ‘Parking Location Reminder Device’ for drivers to record and display/playback still images and/or video of the location of their parked vehicles.

Abstract: A method for location-based notifications, the method including receiving a request for a notification from an input device. A current location of the input device is determined in response to the receiving. A reminder location is set responsive to the current location of the input device determined in response to the receiving. On a periodic basis, a new current location of the input device is determined and compared to the reminder location. A notification is provided if the new current location is within a proximity threshold of the reminder location.

Abstract: A manual control system for a vehicle includes a touch sensitive input element actuatable in response to proximity of a user's appendage. A tactile feedback generator produces a perceptible tactile stimulus. An audible feedback generator produces a perceptible audible stimulus. A sound level characterizer generates a sound characterization signal indicative of a sound-related parameter of the vehicle. A controller generates a feedback event in response to an actuation of the input element. The controller includes the perceptible tactile stimulus and the perceptible audible stimulus in the feedback event according to the sound characterization signal.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for the output of an information message in a vehicle, whereby an information message is stored, the current location of the vehicle is determined, a driver of the vehicle triggers an assignment of a stored information message to a location, and the information message assigned to a location is automatically emitted when the vehicle is situated at this location.

Abstract: A method of facilitating delivery of traffic messages is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of traffic conditions on a road network are obtained. For each of the traffic conditions, the data provides a location description. For each of the traffic conditions, the method determines at least one broadcast service area in which the traffic condition is located. A plurality of traffic messages is transmitted. Each traffic message is associated with a broadcast service area code identifying the broadcast service area in which the traffic condition is located.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the quality of service of logistic services. A shipping device, which is shipped along a travel route from a source location to a destination location, includes an electronic device. Times are logged at one or more locations during the travel. The electronic device includes: a GPS-indoor receiver device connected to a control logic, a storage connected to the control logic, a power supply, and an I/O interface. The control logic is arranged for logging, during the shipping device traveling time, datasets including at least the current Time of Day and the current geographic location information derived from GPS signals received en route into the storage. The log data is read out via the I/O interface. The log data is evaluated according to predetermined rules reflecting the quality of service of the actual shipping device shipping.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling an image capture system to respond to at least one command transmitted by a foreign remote control that is associated with a first device. The image capture system is first trained to respond to at least one command that is received from the foreign remote control. A user can then use the foreign remote control to access at least one function of the trained image capture system. For example, the foreign remote control can be used to access a first predefined function of the image capture system by transmitting a first instruction to the image capture system. The image capture system, responsive to the first instruction, performs the first predefined function.

Abstract: An apparatus to enhance command communication in a high-noise environment between a user and user vehicle mobile data computer system, program product, and associated methods are provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle computer adapted to be positioned within a user vehicle and a vehicle computer application program stored in memory of the vehicle computer adapted to communicate with a remote host computer. A voice command interface program product is also stored in the memory and is in communication with the mobile data communications application program.

Abstract: Timing Advance information is obtained from base stations (103–105), and is utilized by a remote unit (113) to approximate the Time of Arrival (TOA) of the signals from each base station. The remote unit (113) accesses a single base station to determine its timing advance. In order to increase accuracy, the remote unit (113) then repeats the process, but during the next iteration, the transmission timing is advanced or delayed by a fraction of a bit (e.g. ¼ bit). The base station responds with a new timing advance value. This process is repeated until it is determined how many fractions of bit increments the remote unit (113) is away from a known timing advance boundary of the base station. Once known, this information is utilized to determine the location of the remote unit (113).

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with law enforcement during vehicle travel and associated methods are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a department server in communication with a vehicle computer and also in communication with a plurality of law enforcement databases. The vehicle computer includes mobile data communications software and officer communications enhancing software. The officer communications enhancing software preferably includes one or more of an audio communicator to transmit enhanced audio law enforcement data received from the mobile data communications software to the officer, an incident form completing enhancer to generate and populate incident forms, and a quick mapper to quickly generate and display a site overview map such as a top plan street view to an officer.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a vehicle status reporting system for allowing a user to define when a user will receive a vehicle status report about the status of a mobile vehicle, in relation to a location, for establishing a communication link between the system and the user, and for delivering the status report during the communication link, the status report indicating occurrence of one or more events.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for maintaining a delivery list having a plurality of packages, for monitoring travel data associated with a vehicle in relation to the delivery list, and for sending, before, during, or after a delivery has been made, a communication to a party associated with a subsequent delivery to notify the party of impending arrival.

Abstract: A system (10) for storing and using information associated with geographic locations of interest to a mobile user comprises a mobile apparatus (100) and a remote apparatus (200). The mobile apparatus accepts and transmits information associated with a mobile user's geographic position. The remote apparatus (200) receives the transmitted information, stores the information along with data indicative of the position and time as a waypoint, and allows the user to retrieve and manipulate waypoints. The system is preferably realized as a vehicle information system (20) that allows a vehicle user to store waypoints descriptive of different locations encountered during travel. Each waypoint includes the geographic position of its corresponding location, the time, and may include appended information such as a voice message or a picture. The waypoints are stored in a remote server accessible from both the vehicle and an auxiliary apparatus such as a standard telephone (310) or a personal computer (330).

Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for implementation in connection with a computer system. The methods and systems practice the following: receiving an identification of (a) one or more communication methods for notification, (b) one or more mobile vehicles, and (c) one or more locations to be visited by the mobile vehicles, monitoring travel data relating to a proximity of the mobile vehicle to the location, initiating a communication with the party and, during the communication, notifying the party of the purpose of the vehicle's stop at the location.

Abstract: An advance notification system notifies users of the impending arrival of a vehicle, for example, an overnight package delivery vehicle, at a particular vehicle stop. The system generally includes an on-board vehicle control unit (VCU) for each vehicle and a base station control unit (BSCU) for sending messages to user computers in order to inform the users when the vehicle resides at a certain predefined time period, distance, prior stop, and/or location point from the vehicle stop. Moreover, vehicle tracking, the BSCU, a computer network (e.g., the Internet), and software located on a user computer may be combined in a plurality of configurations for launching and communicating a message of the impending arrival of a particular vehicle before it arrives. Significantly, the computer message is to advise of the impending arrival and preferably will exhibit a distinctive display and/or sound on the recipient computer so that the recipient is informed of the message.

Abstract: A proximity signaling system and method are disclosed in which first and second transmitters are disposed on first and second mobile objects. The first and second transmitters generate first and second RF signals with first and second receiver addresses, respectively. A receiver is disposed remotely from the first and second transmitters. The receiver has a first and second microcontroller decoders for recognizing the first and second RF signals, respectively. The receiver has a gradual proximity display, such as a bar graph display, for indicating signal strength. The receiver also has first and second proximity alerts, such as lights, beepers, or voice chips, for signaling proximity of the first and second objects, respectively. In use, the first microcontroller decoder filters signals received by the receiver and passes only signals having the first receiver address along to the display and alerts.

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: A vehicle navigation system comprises a processor connected to a wireless message receiver, such as a cellular telephone. The system includes an application which checks each message received by the telephone. If the message is recognised as being intended for navigation, the application identifies the action which the message requires and an associated location in the message. The application then performs the appropriate action, for example to plan a route passing through the location. A messaging device sends messages via a network to the receiver. The network provides a messaging service having a message store which stores messages when the receiver is inactive and sends stored messages when the receiver becomes active.

Abstract: An interactive flight map is provided to a passenger, through which information on the areas overflown can be accessed and utilized. A map of the portion of the flight path near the airplane, where the map has one or more identifiers, is displayed to a passenger. Selection of an identifier from the passenger may be received, and in response information associated with the selected identifier is displayed to the passenger. The identifiers may be icons, text or other unique identifying symbols, associated with points of interest, map locations, tourist facilities, or other particular locations or facilities. The map may be scrolled to view other areas of the ground. In response to the selection of a particular identifier by a passenger, information may be displayed to the passenger in a variety of formats, such as HTML or video.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with law enforcement during vehicle travel and associated methods are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a department server in communication with a vehicle computer and also in communication with a plurality of law enforcement databases. The vehicle computer includes mobile data communications software and officer communications enhancing software. The officer communications enhancing software preferably includes one or more of an audio communicator to transmit enhanced audio law enforcement data received from the mobile data communications software to the officer, an incident form completing enhancer to generate and populate incident forms, and a quick mapper to quickly generate and display a site overview map such as a top plan street view to an officer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programming the automatic guidance unit of an aerial delivery system. The operator selects on a hand-held unit the desired flight parameters such as the latitude, longitude and altitude of the desired landing site, as well as the desired landing heading and default heading. A microprocessor converts this data into digital data that is stored on a removable EEPROM memory key. This key is then removed from the hand-held unit and at any convenient time, inserted into a mating female receptacle in the automatic guidance unit of the aerial delivery system. The programmed information originally entered in the hand-held unit is then transferred into the guidance unit of the aerial delivery system.

Abstract: A message filtering system is provided for filtering generally broadcast messages received by a movable unit. The generally broadcast message includes an information segment including location, time and/or velocity information relating to an event of potential interest to the unit which has occurred in the past and which has continuing consequences for the unit. The movement history of the unit is stored along with data selection information and a determination is made as to whether the information contained in the broadcast information segment is of interest based on this stored information.

Abstract: A location database system provides information about nearby sites to a user. The system includes a processor configured to identify the present location of the system using the Global Positioning System. The processor is also associated with a clock providing realtime information. The clock may be the internal clock of a microprocessor serving as the processor of the system. The processor may also communicate with a remote database of sites using a wireless connection. The database includes relevant information about the sites which may be of interest to a user of the system, such as locational information, imaging information and images, and/or tour-guide type information. A display provides a visual display of the relevant information to the user, and the system may provide setting information for the camera and also may provide travel directions to a particular site, based on a selected view as seen on a display.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a command input block from which the user inputs a command signal, a current positional data supply unit, a data reading unit for reading from a CD-ROM map data, voice guidance data, object data about an object displayed on a map of the navigation apparatus, and sound data symbolizing a geographical location corresponding to the object on the map, and a controller for displaying the map and the object onto a display device and sounding the voice guidance and sound data from a speaker.

Abstract: Shown is a method and apparatus for a location sensitive database system. The database system includes a geographic positioning receiver, such as a global positioning system (GPS), and a database processor that receive the location values output by the positioning receiver. The database processor is coupled to a content database and searches the content database responsive to the current location values output by the positioning receiver. Database entries can also be obtained by the database processor sending a content query, which includes the current location values, over a wireless network link to a content server, which searches its own database for entries corresponding to the current location values and, if a matching entry is found, sends the content of the matching entry to the database processor for output to a user. Database entries can also be screened for a match on a user preference selected by a user of the device and based on the current time.

Abstract: A traffic paging system for audibly disseminating real-time traffic information and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The traffic paging system comprises a route-entry system, a receiver system, and an audio system. The route-entry system permits a user to specify one or more preselected routes. After receiving the real-time traffic information, the receiver system converts a relevant portion of the real-time traffic information that is specific to the preselected routes into audio traffic information. The audio system then audibly presents the audio traffic information to the user.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying animated navigation information has a processor, a memory, a display, and an input, housed in a portable, handheld housing. In various embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of frames are stored in memory, wherein each frame includes data indicative of a still-shot of a portion of an animated sequence represented by the total plurality of frames. The processor retrieves the frames in sequence for display on the display, such that successively displaying each of the frames on the display presents a visualization on the display of animated movement. In one aspect of the invention, animation is provided upon power up of the unit to provide the user with an indication of the nature of use and features of the unit. In another aspect of the invention, animation is provided to provide an indication to the user of satellite signal acquisition for use in navigation purposes.

Abstract: A navigation system provides route guidance to a destination even when a facility in an unmapped area is input as the destination. When a facility in an unmapped area is input as a destination, the navigation system obtains a guidance route to an appropriate freeway exit near the facility, thus guiding a vehicle along the guidance route. Subsequently, the navigation system displays an arrow indicating the direction from a vehicle position to the facility and a linear distance from the vehicle position to the facility, thus guiding the vehicle to the destination. The guidance is provided until the vehicle arrives at the destination.

Abstract: In a process for assisting a user of a motor vehicle in operating components of the motor vehicle, operating conditions of the components are switched by actuating of operating elements. An assistance request element is also provided. Operation of the assistance request element causes a subsequent operation of an operating element only to display information concerning the operating condition which can be switched (in the normal operation) by means of this operating element.

Abstract: A remote tracking and sensing device (20) includes a global positioning system receiver (22). A processor (24) receives a position signal from the global positioning system receiver (22). A communication interface (30) connects the processor (24) to at least two wireless communication systems (26, 28). A power management system (32) provides power to the processor (24) based on an output (38) from a motion sensor (40).

Abstract: A route guidance system for a pedestrian. An input unit inputs a departure point and a destination point of the pedestrian. A route data memory stores route data representing position and connection of each route comprising a road network. A route calculation unit calculates a route from the departure point to the destination point by referring to the route data in said route data memory. A landmark memory stores landmark data for the pedestrian's confirmation; a landmark represents a signpost of the departure point, the destination point, and the route. A landmark selection unit selects the landmark data corresponding to the route calculated by said route calculation unit from said landmark memory. A presentation unit presents a route guidance to the pedestrian using the calculated route and the selected landmark data.

Abstract: A car navigation apparatus includes a route setting unit for setting a route; an own car position detection unit for measuring an own car position and detecting the own car position; and an advance direction detection unit for detecting an advance direction of the own car. The car navigation apparatus further includes a turning intersection detection unit for detecting an intersection where the own car should turn next time, on the route located within a predetermined distance in the advance direction from the own car position; and a turning intersection display unit responsive to detection of a turning intersection to display the shape of the turning intersection and a direction to which the own car should turn, acquired from map information stored in a map information storage unit, on the display screen using figures, and to display the distance to the turning intersection and the name of the turning intersection on the display screen using characters.

Abstract: A voice reproduction apparatus and voice reproduction system for providing guide voice corresponding to a moving direction of a user, for example a visually handicapped person, in a theme park or the like. The voice reproduction apparatus comprises: a receiving part for receiving an identifying signal; an identifying signal discriminating part that discriminates the identifying signal received in the receiving part and discriminates a combination of an identifying signal received and an identifying signal received subsequently; a voice data storage part for storing voice data, relating the voice data to the combination of the received identifying signals; a voice reproduction part reproducing the voice data stored in the voice data storage part; and a reproduction control part that reads out, from the voice data storage part, voice data corresponding to the combination discriminated by the identifying signal discriminating part, and causes the voice reproduction part to reproduce the voice data.

Abstract: A process for analyzing a traffic network uses a source file including edges and nodes representing the traffic network. The process generates partial routes from the source file, wherein each partial route comprises at least one edge and at least one of the partial routes comprises a plurality of adjoining ones of said edges. Route data can be transmitted between a vehicle and a traffic center by designating the partial route instead of each individual edge, thereby optimizing transmission of data via a transmission channel.

Abstract: An automatic control system is provided that allows a driver to decide whether some or all of an automatic control content for accessory devices for an automobile is to be executed. Trigger information for performing automatic control is detected by a detecting circuit such as a navigation system 12 and, on the basis of the detected trigger information, control contents are established at a control circuit 20, and the established control contents are announced to the driver through the navigation system 12 and an audio system 16. The driver replies to each of the corresponding announced contents (the contents to be automatically controlled) by operating an answer switch 100. At the control section 20, automatic control is performed in accordance with results of replies from the driver operating the answer switch 100.

Abstract: The invention proposes an audio and/or navigation system for a motor vehicle with increased user convenience, particularly when the vehicle is used by more than one user. The audio and/or navigation system has a memory element (2) for storing user-related system parameters, and means (4) for identifying the user as well as means (5), which are connected to the memory element (2), for selecting and setting the stored user-related system parameters for the user as current system parameters.

Abstract: A navigation device includes a map information storage means for storing map information such as nodes, links and the like, a present position detection means for detecting a present position of a moving body, a route searching means for searching a route from a present position to a guide point based on the map information, a voice guide message generation means for generating a voice guide message corresponding to the searched route, and a voice output means for outputting the voice guide message. The navigation device is adapted to store a level of importance of nodes and links as a part of said map information, and the voice guide message generation means selects links and nodes on the searched route based on the level of importance and generates a voice guide message corresponding to the selected nodes and links.

Abstract: A traffic paging system for audibly disseminating real-time traffic information and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The traffic paging system comprises a route-entry system, a receiver system, and an audio system. The route-entry system permits a user to specify one or more preselected routes. After receiving the real-time traffic information, the receiver system converts a relevant portion of the real-time traffic information that is specific to the preselected routes into audio traffic information. The audio system then audibly presents the audio traffic information to the user.

Abstract: A navigation system comprises a map information storage device for storing map data, a route setting device for setting a route between two points on the map data, target intersection detecting device for detecting a target intersection on the route from the set route and the map data, present position detector for detecting the present position of a mobile body, quantization computing device for quantizing the set route into simple graphics, and display for displaying the quantized route on a stepwise basis according to the distance between the nearest target intersection and the present position. The navigation system is capable of reducing the amount of distraction posed to a vehicle driver, is highly versatile and reduces the cost of the system.