Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for obtaining a traffic route for a vehicle. The system receives information of a current location of the vehicle. The system determines a destination location or destination region of the vehicle. The system computes a plurality of available traffic routes from the current location to the destination location or to the destination region. The system estimates a potential demand for at least one potential passenger from the current location to the destination location or to the destination region per each available traffic route. The system recommends, to a driver of the vehicle, an available traffic route that has a highest estimated potential demand among a plurality of the available traffic routes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic navigation system, configured for providing a haptic instruction to a user, and to a method for providing a haptic instruction to a user. The haptic navigation system comprises a navigation module comprising a route calculation unit, configured for calculating at least one route for the user to go to a predetermined destination, and a user interaction unit, configured for capturing at least one input parameter from the user, and a feedback unit configured for receiving an instruction sent from the navigation module and for converting the instruction received into a haptic instruction such that the user find the correct route. In this way, a haptic navigation system is provided which is reliable, cost-effective to realize and can easily be integrated into existing navigation systems while at the same time making it possible to get rid of displays or voice recognition in navigation applications.

Abstract: A user interface for use in a vehicle navigation and traffic information device. Various adaptable menu commands and intuitive UI elements are provided to ease user navigation of the interface and to minimize driver distraction while providing information in an optimized manner.

Abstract: A system and methods that account for vehicle human occupancy in parking management systems. Human throughput to an event is optimized by utilizing a smart parking guidance system based on the human occupancy of the vehicles to be parked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and using moving violation alerts are disclosed. A navigation device located in a vehicle determines the vehicle's present location and present speed, and generates a moving violation alert. The moving violation alert comprises at least one of time information, location information, road segment information, and sensor information. A tracking device coupled to the navigation device provides the moving violation alert on a network. The network connection is configured to transmit the moving violation alert from the navigation device to a recipient outside the vehicle. Moving violation alerts may be stored and analyzed by the recipient.

Abstract: A system for modifying CLM-based statistical data using received GPS data.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved mapping and navigational system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for defining and assigning geographical boundaries to points of interests on a graphical map, where the geographical boundaries preferably correlate to spatially defined boundaries of the respective points of interests. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the points of interest, along with the respective defined geographical boundaries, can be transferred from a personal computing device to a telecommunication device, such as a portable communication device, so as to be used for mapping purposes and to set off proximity alerts when the portable communication device, equipped with a GPS unit, enters or exits the geographical boundary of a particular point of interest.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for determining the relevance of points of interest for a user are described. An application server receives information about a user's location, and velocity, as well as other user preferences, and adjusts a search space and filters points of interest identifying those that are relevant to the user. The relevance of the points of interest are based on the user's route, location and velocity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for updating digital maps and for matching global navigation devices to a digital map. Such navigation devices rely upon GPS signals (20, 24) from satellites (22, 26). One well-documented cause of position error in navigation devices arises from the phenomenon of GPS multi-path. It has been observed that GPS multi-path errors in the latitude/longitude direction are highly correlated with errors in altitude. By comparing altitude value of GPS probe data with reference specifications for altitude, unreliable probe data (outliers) can be easily identified and culled. Such techniques can be used as well by a mobile navigation device to confirm a match to a particular road segment and if not revert to other positioning techniques such as inertial guidance systems and the like. If the local altitude is not reliably known, an estimation can be derived directly from the collected probe data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for prediction and identification of journey situations. A method for prediction of journey situations has the following steps: defining a plurality of standard journey situations, with each standard journey situation being characterized by a group of driving state parameters; defining a plurality of route state parameters in order to describe the state of a journey route; determining an association rule which associates in each case one group of values of the route state parameters with a standard journey situation; recording of an intended journey route; determining values of the route state parameters for the intended journey route; and associating the intended journey route with one of the standard journey situations on the basis of the association rule.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for predicting crossing times. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a vehicle position of a vehicle from sensed data, filtering the vehicle position, determining vehicle velocity based on the filtered vehicle position, filtering the vehicle velocity to a greater extent than vehicle position is filtered, at least above a threshold frequency, and determining a time-to-crossing based on the filtered vehicle position and filtered velocity.

Abstract: Provided is a motorcycle navigation apparatus that receives broadcasts from a satellite radio mounted on a motorcycle. The motorcycle navigation apparatus includes a controller, monitor and a screen switching unit. The controller is configured to control the navigation apparatus. The a monitor configured to provide, when said satellite radio receives a warning, a notification that information has been received by said satellite radio. The screen switching unit configured to switch said navigation screen to a screen that corresponds to the received information when an operator executes a predetermined operation on the controller, wherein the predetermined operation is executed upon receipt of said notification.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating location and motion of an object. An image of a ground surface is obtained and a first set of features is extracted from the image. A map database is searched for a second set of features that match the first set of features and a geo-location is retrieved from the map database, wherein the geo-location is associated with the second set of features. The location is estimated based on the retrieved geo-location. The motion of the object, such as distance travelled, path travelled and/or speed may be estimated in a similar manner by comparing the location of extracted features that are present in two or more images over a selected time period.

Abstract: A recommended-information providing center collects action information including the travel history of vehicles, door opening/closing history, hazard lamp usage history, and the like from a plurality of vehicles including a vehicle. On the basis of the plurality of action history items collected from the vehicles, the recommended-information providing center generates recommended-information with respect to destinations in accordance with the attributes of the destinations. The recommended-information is information to be recommended about the destinations. The recommended-information providing center outputs requested recommended-information generated in accordance with the attributes of a destination, in order to provide the recommended-information to a vehicle having a navigation system mounted therein.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to displaying laylines. In one implementation, a method may include receiving marine electronics data at a marine electronics device disposed on a vessel. The method may also include receiving a navigational location. The method may further include calculating one or more laylines based on the navigational location and the marine electronics data. The method may additionally include displaying a vessel marker representing the vessel, a compass scale, and the one or more laylines on a display screen of the marine electronics device, where the vessel marker, the compass scale, and the one or more laylines are integrated on the display screen.

Abstract: In some implementations, a mobile device can transmit traffic information to a server for analysis. The traffic information can include movement information including detected stops and durations of detected stops. The traffic information can be analyzed to detect traffic patterns that indicate locations of stop signs and/or stop lights. The traffic information can be analyzed to determine durations of stops at stop signs and/or stop lights. The durations of stops can be associated with a time of day and/or day of the week. In some implementations, navigational routes can be determined based stop sign and/or stop light information, including the delays attributable to detected stop signs and/or stop lights.

Abstract: An approach is provided for an application engine (e.g., a gaming engine) based on real-time location-based data. In one embodiment, an application engine determines one or more location-based data sources associated with at least one device. The one or more location-based data sources are determined in at least substantially real-time while the at least one device is engaged in at least one travel activity. The application engine then determines one or more elements of an application engine based, at least in part, on the one or more location-based data sources. The application engine causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more elements at the least one device during the at least one travel activity. In one embodiment, the application engine also causes, at least in part, a transformation of the one or more map data elements based, at least in part, on the one or more location-based data sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to including switch settings for various routes within a route chart for a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention include collecting route information between locations and switch information for each route via a data aggregation component. A map route component is configured to configure a setting for each switch associated with a route to allow a path of navigation from a first selected location to a second selected location. Additionally, the map route component is configured to include two or more switch settings into an indicia for each route of a route chart.

Abstract: Repairing GPS data is disclosed. Repairing GPS data includes repairing an effort, comprising determining that the effort includes inaccurate GPS data; and adjusting the effort using a repaired base map. Repairing GPs data includes repairing a segment, comprising determining an inaccurate shape data in the segment; and adjusting shape data for the segment based on a repaired base.

Abstract: An improved system and method for defining an event based upon an object location and a user-defined zone and managing the conveyance of object location event information among computing devices where object location events are defined in terms of a condition based upon a relationship between user-defined zone information and object location information. One or more location information sources are associated with an object to provide the object location information. One or more user-defined zones are defined on a map and one or more object location events are defined. The occurrence of an object location event produces object location event information that is conveyed to users based on user identification codes. Accessibility to object location information, zone information, and object location event information is based upon an object location information access code, a zone information access code, and an object location event information access code, respectively.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, mobile device attribute data is received from a plurality of mobile devices over a network. The mobile device attribute data includes location data representative of a plurality of geographic locations associated with the mobile devices. The method further includes selectively aggregating the mobile device attribute data and generating traffic condition data based at least in part on the mobile device attribute data. The traffic condition data is representative of at least one traffic condition. In certain embodiments, the mobile devices include mobile telephones and the network includes a mobile telephone network. In certain embodiments, the traffic condition data is real time data. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the traffic condition data is provided for access over the network.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for organizing spatial data are disclosed. For example, a method includes receiving a location data point from a navigation device. A controller compares the distance from each of a plurality of data points to the location data point. In constructing a depthmap that associates each of the data points with the distance from the location data point, the controller assign data points within a minimum distance from the location data point into a first cell and data points greater than the minimum distance from the location data point into a second cell. The second cell is larger than the first cell and corresponds to a larger geographic area than the first cell. The depthmap may be configured to position points of interest in a panoramic or street level view image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for road guidance using a mobile terminal. The method for road guidance using a mobile terminal includes receiving a map image created by a users input, setting at least one user-designated location to the map image according to the users input, setting location information of the user-designated location to the user-designated location, comparing the location information of the user-designated location with current location information of the mobile terminal; and notifying of arrival at the user-designated location. A user may arrive at a desired destination according to the present invention without using map data provided by a map data service provider.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for searching a moving route of a cargo on the basis of 3D information, including: acquiring workplace information including depth information by using a camera; generating 3D information on the workplace based on the acquired workplace information; and searching all the possible moving routes for each cargo to move from a start position to a target position on the basis of the generated 3D information to select moving routes for each cargo to move.

Abstract: A technique for the acoustic signalling of a navigation manoeuvre is described. A method aspect of this technique comprises providing an association between two or more navigation manoeuvres on the one hand and two or more manoeuvring instructions on the other hand. In this case, different nonverbal acoustic manoeuvring instructions are associated with different navigation manoeuvres. A navigation manoeuvre is signalled by outputting the nonverbal acoustic manoeuvring instruction associated with the navigation manoeuvre. This manoeuvring instruction may be a tone or a tone sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating travel time are provided. A general travel time is determined for a first route. A personal travel time for the first route is determined based on travel data of a user while traveling the first route. A scaling factor is determined based on at least one travel characteristic associated with the user or the route. A travel time for is estimated a second route based on the general travel time, the personal travel time and the scaling factor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for implementing map matching techniques relating to measured location data. Probabilistic models, including temporal Bayesian network models and Hidden Markov Models, may be used for combining multiple classes of evidence relating to potential locations of points traversed on routes over time. Multiple route segments and overall routes may be maintained under relative uncertainty as candidates. The candidate route segments and overall routes may then be reduced into a smaller number of candidates or a single most likely route as a trip progresses. As the trip progresses, route segments in proximity to each location point are identified and candidate matches are determined. A probability of an entity traversing a candidate match at a given time and a probability of an entity traversing between a first candidate match at a first time and a second candidate match at a second time are determined based on a plurality of factors.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for routing to a fuel or gasoline station before returning a rental vehicle are disclosed. For example, one method comprises identifying a selected destination to be a rental service return location associated with a rental vehicle. An option to obtain gasoline before returning the rental vehicle to the rental service return location is offered. Upon selection of the option, a gasoline station along a route to the rental service return location is identified. Route guidance to the gasoline station is provided. Route guidance from the gasoline station to the rental service return location is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques are provided, which may be implemented in various methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture, to obtain an encoded routability graph representative of feasible paths in an indoor environment represented by an encoded map, and assign likelihoods of transition from an ingress edge in the encoded routability graph to individual egress edges through a junction connecting the ingress edge to a plurality of egress edges based, at least in part, on one or more features of the encoded map.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus detachably holding a portable apparatus, the electronic apparatus includes: a housing portion to which the portable apparatus is attached; an eject mechanism ejecting the portable apparatus attached to the housing portion; and a support mechanism detachably supporting the portable apparatus in an ejected state where the portable apparatus is ejected from the housing portion.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for providing navigation information for a requested listing to a mobile device caller of a directory assistance call. If the caller selects an option to receive driving directions to the listing destination, the directory assistance provider forwards the listing address to a platform that correlates the address with location coordinates. The platform can poll the calling device to obtain GPS identifying data for the mobile device and derive mapping and routing information.

Abstract: In a vehicle control, a future travel locus of a vehicle is computed by using an evaluation function, and travel road surface information regarding a travel road surface on which the vehicle travels is stored. According to the travel road surface information stored, a convergence criterion for the evaluation function is variably set.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses a method of detecting a bifurcation in a navigable feature. The method includes first determining a first possible segment and a second possible segment of the navigable feature based on location measurements along the navigable feature, the location measurements representing a heading vector and the location measurements having a higher probability of being on the first possible segment than on the second possible segment, second determining an angle based on the heading vector and a vector between the second possible segment and one of the location measurements, and detecting a bifurcation based on the angle.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool dynamically adjusts presentation of graphics and/or text for directions depending on current location, so as to emphasize upcoming instructions. For example, based on current location, the tool identifies an upcoming list item in a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool renders a view of at least part of the list of directions, rendering a given list item differently depending on whether it is the upcoming list item, a future list item, or a previous list item. Upon successful completion of navigation for the upcoming list item, the tool outputs an indication of positive feedback, changes the upcoming list item to be the next list item, and renders a new view in which the next list item is emphasized.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a method and system for testing data defining one or more navigation routes. A starting location may be input at a computer remote from the starting location. A destination location may also be input. Map data including GPS information based on the starting location input and the destination location input may be received. Route data may also be received. Based on the map data and the route data, data defining one or more navigation instructions may be generated for one or more routes. The one or more navigation instructions may be executed at the computer and compared to the map data. Based on the comparison, an accuracy of the navigation instructions may be determined. The data defining the navigation instructions may be corrected if the data is determined to be inaccurate.

Abstract: A navigation system for a motor vehicle includes: a motor vehicle, a server which is spatially separate from the motor vehicle, and a wireless communication connection between the server and the motor vehicle for the time-staggered transmission of a first navigation information item and at least a second navigation information item from the server to the motor vehicle, the first navigation information item being assigned a first priority and the second navigation information item being assigned a second priority, the sequence of the transmission of the first navigation information item and the second navigation information item being a function of the priority level, and a man-machine interface being arranged in the motor vehicle for outputting the first navigation information item and the second navigation information item to an operator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a navigation system for a vehicle. The navigation system includes a user interface configured to receive input from and output information to a user, and a controller configured to perform a plurality of functions based on the user input, the controller further configured to disable performance of at least one of the plurality of functions based on a vehicle condition and provide a warning to the user indicating that performance of the plurality of functions is to be performed by a passenger other than a driver, wherein the controller enables performance of the at least one of the plurality of functions upon receiving input signifying that the user is a passenger other than the driver.

Abstract: In a vehicle-mounted navigation system, an operating unit that operates the driver's seat side image and an operating unit that operates the passenger's seat side image had to be provided separately, which increased the number of operation buttons and the size of the navigation system device. In a vehicle-mounted navigation system that displays images in multiple directions, an operating direction detector detects which direction an operation was performed from, and a controller controls the vehicle-mounted navigation system based on a detection result of the operating direction detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, a curved portion of a road where the curvature increases between adjacent curved sections. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where curvature between adjacent curved sections increases. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location where curvature increases. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location where the curvature increases.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing healthcare environments are provided. In embodiments, a real-time status of a clinical device, along with a location, is received. The location of the clinical device is obtained via a clinical device identifier that is tracked by a plurality of sensors in a healthcare environment. A clinical device may be identified as inappropriate for use and an alert presented to a clinician including the problem of the clinical device and the location thereof. A replacement clinical device may be located, using clinical identifiers, and presented to the clinician. Such monitoring and location awareness facilitates efficient responses to healthcare situations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving at a computer server system, from a computing device that is remote from the server system, a string of text that comprises a search query. The method also includes identifying one or more search results that are responsive to the search query, parsing a document that is a target of one of the one or more results, identifying geographical address information from the parsing, generating a specific geographical indicator corresponding to the one search result, and transmitting for use by the computing device, data for automatically generating a navigational application having a destination at the specific geographical indicator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods, systems and devices for synchronized navigation of an environment by a plurality of mobile agents wherein aspects of the navigation of one or more of the agents are used to moderate aspects of the navigation of one or more other agents. In one embodiment, two mobile agents—a baby stroller and a caregiver—are configured in a manner that facilitates tandem navigation of the environment by the mobile agents. In yet another embodiment, a wheelchair designed to transport a disabled person navigates in tandem with a guide such as a human guide, a guide dog or any other suitable agent. Other embodiments including an entertainment application in which a mobile agent follows or leads another are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system with the ability to dynamically compose a sequence of visual views or flows allowing a single object or region, or multiple objects or regions, to be viewed from different perspectives and visual distances is described. The sequence of views can provide smooth flyovers over positions and details on objects that are deemed to be of interest, with changes in zoom level and/or velocity that are functions of the estimated complexity and/or unfamiliarity with features of the object. In an example, a flyover displaying different views on a map of a city arterial system on a small-screened mobile device is composed based on current traffic conditions, swooping up and down with parabolic trajectories, based on distances being traversed, and pausing at times over key traffic jams and other findings of interest based on the estimated visual complexity and predicted atypicality of situations.

Abstract: A routing system can be configured to determine a route based on availability and reliability of location reference devices to determine a most reliable route between a source and a destination. Visibility information that is indicative of availability of at least a threshold number of location reference devices along the route can be determined. For each of a plurality of routes between the source and the destination, a reliability rating associated with the route can be determined based on the visibility information associated with the route. The reliability rating can be indicative of an ability of the routing system to maintain continuous connectivity to the at least the threshold number of location reference devices along the route. The reliability ratings of the plurality of routes are compared to identify and to present one of the plurality of routes with a highest reliability rating.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a destination index based on a search indicator for distinguishing a candidate destination from another; receiving an entry for a point of interest; generating an entry update based on segmenting the entry for comparing the entry update to the destination index; and identifying a target destination based on resolving the destination index with the search indicator for matching the entry update to the candidate destination for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A CPU of a navigation device transmits probe information including link traveling information and average vehicle speed information at every predetermined time to an information distribution center. On the other hand, when receiving the probe information, a CPU of the information distribution center reads the road type corresponding to each link ID and user's average vehicle speed during uncongested road traveling from the probe information, and determines the vehicle speed region corresponding to this link ID from a vehicle speed region determination table. Thereafter, the CPU of the information distribution center creates traffic information from this vehicle speed region and the probe information, stores it in a center side traffic information DB and statistically processes traffic information of a certain period to generate a link cost corresponding to a link ID and a time zone of a relevant vehicle speed region of statistical traffic information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer system, method, and computer program product for providing event recommendations to a user. User data is aggregated and analyzed to identify one or more user preferences for events. After a travel itinerary is created for the user, the user is notified of one or more events that comport with the user preferences and coincide with the travel itinerary.

Abstract: A system and method provides turn-by-turn directions by identifying placemarks, such as businesses or other landmarks that appear along a traveled route. The system may determine whether signage is associated with each placemark along the route and whether the signage is visible from the route. The system may also determine how prominent the signage is from the route. The system selects the placemark by determining how easily the placemark may be identified from the route, based on the signage's visibility and prominence. The selected placemark may then be identified in connection with the turn-by-turn directions.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information is provided. The method comprises receiving a query text string representing a query for a geographic location and providing a plurality of candidate geographic locations for the queried geographic location from a geographic database. The method receives a selection of one of the candidate geographic locations from a user and records the candidate geographic location that was selected in a use history database. The method increases a usage pattern weight for the candidate geographic location that was selected and increases a usage pattern weight for a parent geographic feature that includes the candidate geographic location that was selected.