Abstract: A position recognition device that outputs data according to a position has a GPS unit for detecting position, an audio input/output unit for inputting and outputting audio and a memory unit for storing data. Audio data as well as corresponding position data are combined, recorded and stored in the memory unit. When a present position as measured by the GPS unit matches position data stored with the audio data, the position recognition device reproduces the audio data corresponding to the position, making it possible to output essential data at the position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for combining an in-vehicle navigation system with a sound system in a vehicle. The combination permits the navigation system to project audible maneuver instructions to a driver. While projecting the audible maneuver instruction to the driver the vehicle navigation system moves the location of the projection of the maneuver instruction from a first location to a second location. The first location does not coincide with the content of the maneuver instruction and the second location does coincide with the content of the maneuver instruction. Thus, a system is provided wherein the driver perceives the audible maneuver instruction as moving in a direction which coincides with the content of the instruction.

Abstract: A historical simulator which allows an individual using the device to access historically relevant information pertaining to a historically significant location the user is visiting. The user may readily access information regarding the historical location from a variety of information sources including databases in the Internet. The user may also view the retrieved information from a variety of different viewing modes and according to the individual user's selection from among a variety of information characterization variables.

Abstract: A system and method for arranging and storing a plurality of records of geographic data, wherein each record corresponds to a physical feature having a physical location in a geographic region. The method and system comprise arranging the records of geographic data into a plurality of parcels. Each parcel includes records of geographic data that represent features having physical locations encompassed within a corresponding associated rectangular area located in the geographic region. The size and location of each such rectangular area associated with a parcel is determined by a series of divisions of a bounding rectangle that encompasses all of the features represented by the plurality of records into further rectangular areas. Each division, subsequent to an initial division, is made on a rectangular area resulting from the preceding division.

Abstract: A passenger notification system to warn (bus) passengers of the next scheduled stop. A sensory indication which may be a verbal announcement or a lighted display (or both) within the bus is activated by the driver as each stop, transfer point or point of interest, approaches. A switch responsive to relative motion between the driver's upper arm and torso provides activation of a pre-recorded message in audio form from a sound transcriber. The lighted display is coded and activated from recorded signals. The sequence may easily be modified to fit each bus route.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus carried by a user, with which the user can work while moving to a place or transferring or a destination utilizing transport facilities such as a train, a bus and the like, has a receiving-recognizing unit for receiving information for recognizing the present position during the move to the place for transferring or the destination as a signal from the outside to recognize the present position during the move from the received signal, and a notifying unit for displaying a positional relation between present position information recognized by the receiving-recognizing unit and the place for transferring or the destination in the transport facilities in a state of work operation to notify of transfer or arrival precaution information. The information processing apparatus notifies the user that the user arrives at the place for transferring or the destination so that the user is prevented from riding past and can concentrate the work.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for monitoring traffic violations. A satellite based system determines the location, and upon which roadway, a vehicle is traveling. A memory (e.g. RAM) in the vehicle system stores speed limit data relating to different roads, speed limits, and/or red lights across the globe. A controller in the vehicle compares, for example, speed limit data relative to determined speed of the vehicle so as to detect when the speed limit on the road upon which the vehicle is traveling is exceeded. When the speed limit is exceeded, a transmitter on the vehicle transmits a signal to at least one satellite indicative of the violation. The at least one satellite forwards the violation signal to a motor vehicle department so that a ticket can be issued to the vehicle operator. In a similar manner, the satellite based system can detect other infractions such as running of red lights, and issue tickets in response to same.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling vehicle accessories is disclosed that allows a user to remotely control vehicle accessories using a conventional telephone. The system is particularly well-suited for use in controlling an in-vehicle voice recorder while recording therein navigational instructions formed of a plurality of navigational steps. Through remote control of the vehicle recorder, a recorded message may be segmented in response to DTMF signals generated by pressing keys on a keypad of a conventional telephone. A driver may then playback the navigational steps one at a time as needed while driving to the identified destination. The system further allows for remote control of other vehicle accessories through the manipulation of keys on a conventional telephone keypad.

Abstract: A location detecting system comprising a sensor unit, a main body having an operating mode consisting of a traveling mode and an simulation mode and including location detecting unit for calculating a current location of a moving body on the basis of data sensed by the sensor unit and further including a navigation controller connected to the location detecting unit, a change-over unit for changing over the operating mode to the traveling mode or the simulation mode, a storage unit detachably connected to the main body, a write unit for storing the data sensed by the sensor unit into the storage unit when the storage unit is connected to the main body and also the main body is in the traveling mode, and a read unit for inhibiting the data sensed by the sensor unit from being supplied to the location detecting unit and instead supplying the data stored in the storage unit to the location detecting unit, when the storage unit is connected to the main body and also the main body is in the simulation mode.

Abstract: A device and system for monitoring speed limit violations of a driver is disclosed. The monitoring device according to the invention is installed in the vehicle and programmed to provide an alarm whenever a programmed speed limit has been exceeded. According to the disclosed system, legal speed limit, and other appropriate traffic signs are provided with transmitters which broadcast an encoded speed limit signal. The monitoring device is provided with a receiver which is capable of receiving the transmitted signal. Upon receiving the transmission, the monitoring device updates the programmed speed limit. The transmitted signal includes a system identification string to enable the monitoring device to validate the signal. In addition, the monitoring device validates the encoded speed limit. In the preferred embodiment a library of digitized voice messages provides warning appropriate to the driving condition and driving speed.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation device provides route guidance by voice or the like in accordance with a preset route. The system includes data storage for storing data such as data relating to a map and route guidance voice data. The system reads out the route voice guidance data from storage and outputs the route voice guidance data directly as voice guidance. An input device allows for inputting information for setting or instructing the route guidance. A current position detector detects current position of the vehicle and a controller sets a route from the current position to a destination, with temporary storage of that set route. A voice data editor edits the combination of phrases of the guidance message relating to an intersection, a diverging point, etc., on the set route in temporary storage. The controller controls the reading out of the voice data from storage in sequential fashion and outputs the read voice data at a predetermined distance before a guide point utilizing the edited combination of phrases.

Abstract: An in-car navigation apparatus produces a concept of a voice message such as a guide of an advancing route or a guide of an arrival to be informed at a point on a set drive route where voice information is to be given by means of the control section thereof, and produces a message sentence from a table defining a sentence pattern corresponding to the concept of a voice message and an device storing voice waveform information by means of a detachable voice information memorizing section. Thereby, the changes of the sentence patterns of voice messages and so forth can easily be done without varying the program of the apparatus.

Abstract: A position-responsive information presentation system and control is disclosed. The disclosed system and control program automatically provides multimedia output that is responsive to a users location, speed, acceleration, and directional orientation. Also disclosed is a system that receives position information from various systems, including satellite global position systems. As disclosed, the system and control program may provide video, audio and tactile outputs to users.

Abstract: A composite electronic apparatus consisting of a video and audio signal processing portion including image displaying circuits for displaying images based on a video signal and sound reproducing circuits for reproducing a sound based on an audio signal, a position detecting portion for conducting positional detection to produce position data representing a detected position, a data reproducing portion operative to read information from a record medium and to reproduce map data or video or audio data on the basis of the information read from the record medium, a data processing portion for causing the position data and the map data to be subjected to predetermined data processing, a video signal transmitting portion operative to produce a video signal for image display on the basis of the position data and the map data subjected to the predetermined data processing and to transmit the video signal for image display to the image displaying circuits so that images displayed by the image displaying circuits, and

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate volume control for route aural guidance. When supplying a guidance voice to a loudspeaker 34a, a voice control section 30 disconnects the loudspeaker 34a from audio and outputs the guidance voice through the loudspeaker. A volume control screen is displayed on a display section 28 where the user adjusts the volume by touching the screen. When the voice control section 30 switches a signal to the loudspeaker 34a, a mute circuit 40a is operated to mute the voice output before the voice is output through the loudspeaker 34a. When the user terminates volume adjustment, the voice control section 30 outputs a voice for volume confirmation or check at the adjusted volume through the loudspeaker 34a. The user can check the adjusted volume at this time.

Abstract: A vehicle information device and collects information concerning specific geographic points of interest. The operator recalls for display such information, including a display showing direction and distance of travel to a designated geographic point of interest relative to a then-current vehicle location. Dual channel advertising is transmitted by voice broadcast and by data broadcast. Upon hearing in the voice broadcast an advertisement of interest, the operator captures the associated data broadcast including, among other detailed text message information, the location of the advertiser. Distance and relative direction of travel from the current vehicle location to the geographic point of interest is thereby presented. Multiple geographic points of interest are stored for selective review whereby the user constructs a database containing locations of particular interest to a particular person.

Abstract: A position-related multi-media presentation system for a vehicle. A position determining system generates position information of a vehicle. The position information is transferred to a multi-media system. The multi-media system presents information related to the position of the vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle. In one embodiment, video information is displayed on a display unit located on the back of a seat of an aircraft. The video information provides views related to features over which the aircraft is flying.

Abstract: An audio information apparatus for providing position information as to the ocation of a target comprising a global positioning system receiver affixed to the target for generating a string of fifty nine ASCII characters representing the latitude and longitude spherical coordinates of the global positioning receiver affixed to the target. The ASCII characters are supplied to a microprocessor, which in response to the ASCII characters, formulates a position message indicating the current location of the global positioning system receiver. A pair of voice recorder/playback circuits, coupled to the microprocessor, have a message table which includes 27 messages or words which when assembled in a predetermined sequence form a longitude and latitude coordinate position message.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate volume control for route aural guidance. When supplying a guidance voice to a loudspeaker 34a, a voice control section 30 disconnects the loudspeaker 34a from audio and outputs the guidance voice through the loudspeaker. A volume control screen is displayed on a display section 28 where the user adjusts the volume by touching the screen. When the voice control section 30 switches a signal to the loudspeaker 34a, a mute circuit 40a is operated to mute the voice output before the voice is output through the loudspeaker 34a. When the user terminates volume adjustment, the voice control section 30 outputs a voice for volume confirmation or check at the adjusted volume through the loudspeaker 34a. The user can check the adjusted volume at this time.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the transfer of information in motor vehicle traffic between a fixed-position transmitter-building element near a roadway and a receiver arranged in a vehicle, the transmitter-building element emits a coded information signal and the receiver of the vehicle driving past the transmitter-building element displays information from the information signal in the vehicle. In order to make shielding measures unnecessary, with an uncomplicated supply of energy to the transmitter-building element and small construction costs therefor, the transmitter-building element (1) is built into roadway pavement (12). The energy necessary for transmitting the information signal is received by the transmitter-building element (1) from the vehicle (13) which is driving above it.

Abstract: An apparatus that causes variable data messages to be transmitted automatically following transmission of voice signals over a given communication channel. The apparatus includes a microprocessor for processing variable data to generate a variable data message, and is adapted to be coupled between a radio interface circuit and a microphone handset having a momentary push-to-talk switch in such a manner so as to be transparent during transmission of voice signals while the momentary PTT switch is being actuated. The microprocessor detects deactuation of the PTT switch and responds thereto by providing the variable data message to the radio for transmission. A GPS navigational computer and receiver processes received variable GPS position data to determine the position of the vehicle in which the apparatus is located, and generates a variable position data message component.

Abstract: A voice-type navigation apparatus is disclosed for giving voice instructions regarding a route to be taken by a vehicle. The instructions are indicated by an audible voice. A memory is provided for storing various voice data for guiding a driver to maintain a route to be traveled by the vehicle. A voice data selection device is provided to select voice data from the memory according to the routes to be maintained. A voice output device audibly outputs the voice data selected by the voice data selection device so that a driver perceives that an audible voice is coming from a particular direction with reference to the driver. The particular direction is determined in accordance with the content of the selected voice data which represents the instruction to be given to the driver regarding the route to be taken by the vehicle.

Abstract: A location signalling device sends a radio distress call giving the precise location coordinates of a person in distress automatically once it is activated without the need for anyone to operate an associated radio transmitter. The device includes a microprocessor controller, a digital location data input, a keyboard, a voice input, an LCD display, a clock/timer, a digital memory, and a voice synthesizer output which provides the distress call in audio voice signals to the microphone input of the radio transmitter when an activating switch is pressed.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus is capable of recording customized voice road feature descriptions along with location information as the vehicle travels along the road. A vehicle location signal generating device is associated with the vehicle and is capable of producing a vehicle location signal in response to an audio input signal initiated by the device operator. When an audio input signal is entered, a processor generates a unique event sequence indicator for each audio input signal. Each event sequence indicator is unique to the particular audio input signal for which it is produced and indicates the order in which the respective audio input signal is produced in relation to any other audio input signals. An audio sequence generating device synthesizes an audio sequence signal for each event sequence indicator and this audio sequence signal is recorded in an audio recording device along with a custom feature description dictated by the device operator.

Abstract: A radio frequency message apparatus for aiding ambulatory travel by handicapped persons such as blind individuals. The apparatus generally comprises a portable, radio frequency transceiver and a stationary, radio frequency base transceiver unit. The portable radio frequency transceiver is carried on the person of the handicapped individual and transmits a message request signal in response to manual activation of a transmit button thereon by the handicapped individual. The message request signal is received by the base transceiver, which causes the base transceiver to transmit a pre-recorded message signal back to the portable transceiver unit in radio frequency form. The message signal contains location identifying information such as the streets of an intersection at which the base unit is located.

Abstract: An omega, loran or satellite navigation receiver is provided with a speech synthesizer coupled to its latitude/longitude output which is in turn coupled to a transmitter which transmits the latitude and longitude along with a "mayday" indication on an emergency channel when an emergency button is depressed on the unit. The emergency button turns the power on for the navigation unit and bypasses all functions except those relating to the production of a lat./lon. signal. The emergency button also activates the synthesizer after determining that the navigation unit has obtained lock. Upon the obtaining of lock a repeat timer produces repeated dump pulses to the speech synthesizer which modulates the transmitter to transmit the "mayday" indication plus an indication of the latitude and longitude of the vessel. As an option, the vessel name, type and color may be entered into a memory for the speech synthesizer so that the identity of the vessel and its type and color may be ascertained.

Abstract: Data for a map of a predetermined area is divided into a plurality of blocks, stored in an external memory medium such as a cassette tape, and loaded into a CPU when deemed necessary. The map as a whole or parts of the map can be arbitrarily selected and displayed through the operation of a keyboard, and vocal sight-seeing guidances corresponding to the displayed maps are simultaneously produced. Control of this multiple map system is effected by an electronic device having a microprocessor, and selected maps and necessary words are shown in displayed pictures by a display means, such as a cathode ray tube or the like.

Abstract: A plurality of sections of drive route charts from a start point to a destination point of a car are sequentially switched for display on a CRT as the car travels by a predetermined distance. The drive route charts are stored in a memory as image information, together with distance information of distances from a predetermined reference point to distance correction points in the respective drive route charts. At the distance correction points of the respective drive route sections, the distance stored in the memory are updated by the actual travel distances of the car.