Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods to mark ground, pavement or other surfaces to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of an underground utility in a dig area. An example marking tool has a hand-held housing, a marking dispenser coupled to the housing to dispense one or more markers in the dig area, and a triggering system to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the marker(s). An example marking tool also may include a logging system to receive data associated with a marking event initiated by the triggering system, time tag the data, and store the time-tagged data in data storage in the marking tool.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted narrow-band wireless communication apparatus includes: information storing/managing section 905 for storing and managing roadside information from a wireless communication unit and operating condition information from an operating condition detection unit 903; an information provision determination unit 904 for determining whether or not information can be provided on the basis of the roadside information and the operating condition information; an HMI output control unit 906 for controlling HMI output on the basis of a determination result from the information provision determination unit 904 and environment information relating to a junction neighborhood obtained from a parameter management unit 907 for managing parameters relating to an HMI; and an information provision output apparatus 901 for performing information provision on the basis of an HMI output request transmitted from the HMI output control unit 906.

Abstract: Position finding system having a sensor unit and a transmitter unit. The sensor unit comprises a first RFID transponder reader unit, a first inductive detector unit, and an analysis unit connected to the RFID transponder reader unit and the inductive detector unit; the transmitter unit comprises an RFID transponder and a metallic material. The sensor unit is movable relative to the transmitter unit. The RFID transponder reader unit is configured for absolute position finding and outputs a first position value, and the inductive detector unit is configured for absolute position finding and outputs a second position value. The analysis unit is configured to determine, from the data acquired from the transmitter unit, an absolute position of the sensor unit from the first and second position values.

Abstract: Improved designs of navigation devices or systems are disclosed. A navigation device presents a digital map resembling an ambient environment with a certain level of realism, where various objects resembling major structures or signs are presented or superimposed in the map. Depending on the time of the day or the weather condition of the time, the map or the objects therein is caused to be altered correspondingly in a tone that reflects the time or weather.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining geographical location data from multiple sources and aggregating the geographical location data are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: receiving geo-location data from a plurality of geo-location data collectors, at least one of the plurality of geo-location data collectors being in data communication with an in-vehicle geo-location data source, at least one of the plurality of geo-location data collectors being in data communication with a geo-location data source in a mobile device; collecting reliability data corresponding to one or more of a plurality of geo-location data sources corresponding to the plurality of geo-location data collectors; collecting map data including information related to geographical features associated with the geo-location data; and aggregating, by use of a data processor, the geo-location data from the plurality of geo-location data collectors based on the reliability data and the map data to produce a resulting geo-location fix.

Abstract: The Qibla orientation device is a small, hands-free device enabling a user of the device to determine Qibla, or the proper orientation to face the Kaaba in Mecca. The device contains a GPS receiver, magnetic direction sensor, directional indicator lights, audio directional output, and a longitudinally aligned laser projector. The device determines its position on the surface of the earth by the GPS receiver, and its orientation toward the Kaaba according to the location determined and the magnetic direction sensor. Directional lights are provided to orient the user to the left or right for alignment. Audio output is also provided for the visually handicapped. The laser may be activated to project a laser line aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device for determining orientation during initial construction of a mosque or other structure.

Abstract: An electronic controller defining an autonomous mobile device includes a self-location estimation unit to estimate a self-location based on a local map that is created according to distance/angle information relative to an object in the vicinity and the travel distance of an omni wheel, an environmental map creation unit to create an environmental map of a mobile area based on the self-location and the local map during the guided travel with using a joystick, a registration switch to register the self-location of the autonomous mobile device as the position coordinate of the setting point when the autonomous mobile device reaches a predetermined setting point during the guided travel, a storage unit to store the environmental map and the setting point, a route planning unit to plan the travel route by using the setting point on the environmental map stored in the storage unit, and a travel control unit to control the autonomous mobile device to autonomously travel along the travel route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distinguishing between LOCATION_REPORT messages to avoid ambiguities. Therefore, a value of an information element of request type is returned by a radio network controller, depending on an intended receiver of the location information. A control node receiving the information element value analyses said value and determines the receiver depending on the result of said analysis.

Abstract: Technology for generating a H1 protection level from an N?1 position in a global positioning system (GPS) receiver is disclosed. One approach can include an H1 monitor configured to generate an H1 protection level from an N number of N?1 positions. The N?1 position can be derived by a differential global positioning system (GPS) satellite measurement removed from a plurality of N differential GPS satellites measurements.

Abstract: To obtain point of interest information in a vicinity of a vehicle, the vehicle selects a reference point away from the current location of the vehicle. A region is formed, including the current location of the vehicle, based on the reference point. Points of interest falling within the region are communicated to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting a position with respect to a mobile working machine includes providing a current signal in a boundary conductor, which surrounds the defined area, in accordance with a boundary signal that is provided, the boundary signal corresponding to a pseudo-accident signal; and receiving a detection signal of a magnetic field. The method further includes generating a reconstructed boundary signal from the detection signal; providing a reference signal which has a bit pattern corresponding to the boundary signal provided; carrying out a correlation method in order to determine a time-based correlation offset between the reference signal and the reconstructed boundary signal and a correlation value between the reference signal and the reconstructed boundary signal, which are displaced in relation to each other by the correlation offset determined; and determining a position inside or outside the defined area as a function of the correlation value determined.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method, computer program product, mobile device or a system allowing for determining various route metrics based on stored route records associated with routes traversed by the mobile device. The determination of a route metric may utilize processing of a single route record or multiple route records. Exemplary route metrics include route timing metrics such as lap times, or route record metrics. Configurations of computer program products, mobile devices and systems for enabling the determination of various route metrics are also described.

Abstract: An automotive communication system for a vehicle includes a global positioning system and a display device disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle. Data is wirelessly communicated to and is received by electronic circuitry of the vehicle and the data is at least in part customized to the geographic location of the vehicle as determined by the global positioning system. Information derived at least in part from the data is displayed by the display device and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A user input for the wireless communication is operable within the interior cabin of the vehicle. The automotive communication system includes at least one of (i) voice input, (ii) voice detection, (iii) voice recognition and (iv) voice generation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the mode of travel of a location aware device. Data from the location aware device is received, which includes location aware data about the speed, location, and navigational route of the location aware device and data about the connection of the location aware device to a power source. These features of data from the location aware device are used to determine the mode of travel of the location aware device. The data from the location aware device can also be used to determine preferred routes of navigation, speed of roads, and traffic on roads.

Abstract: A system for locating a work vehicle at a job site, locating a topographic feature with respect to the work vehicle, and further characterizing the topographic feature from the work vehicle.

Abstract: A method operates a vehicle having an acquisition device for acquiring defined route section data of an upcoming route section to be passed through via the vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle. Accordingly, the route section data, which are acquired by the acquisition device are evaluated in an evaluation device with respect to the wear reduction potential of a vehicle-side wearing part for the upcoming route section to be passed through such that, to reduce and/or optimize the wear of the wearing part. An actuating parameter, in particular an actuating time and/or an actuating duration, is predetermined for the wearing part in the upcoming route section to be passed through. An auxiliary device which supports the wearing part in its action is activated in the upcoming route section to be passed through in accordance with at least one predefined auxiliary device parameter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including executable instructions encoded on one or more machine-readable storage media, for correlating transportation data are described. A transportation schedule that includes planned records for first trips and associations between the first trips and corresponding first trip IDs may be accessed. A transportation status update that includes actual records for second trips and associations between the second trips and corresponding second trip IDs may be received. Information relating one or more of the first trip IDs to one or more of the second trip IDs may be obtained. The information may be used to identify a trip that is common to both the transportation schedule and the transportation status update. An update for the trip using the transportation status update may be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for orientating a user in a space wherein the space comprises a plurality of zones of which only certain zones constitute functional zones wherein each functional zone includes a first type device containing information relating to the position of the zone in the space and wherein the first type device is reactive to the presence of a second type device associated with the user to provide the user with the information to determine the orientation of the user in the space. A method of orientating the user within the space and guiding the user toward one or more features in the space is also disclosed.

Abstract: A navigating system with RFID function includes a GPS module for receiving a plurality of satellite signals for location, and an RFID reader for receiving an RFID signal. The navigating system performs navigation according to a first position information and the location function of the GPS module if the RFID signal includes the first position information.

Abstract: A method and a system for storing a constant path loss exponent corresponding to free space; transmitting a signal; receiving the signal via a rake receiver of a user device; identifying a maximum received signal strength based on a signal strength associated with the signal relative to fingers of the rake receiver; storing a current maximum received signal strength value; determining whether the current maximum received signal strength value is a first maximum received signal strength value; calculating a current indoor position of the user device based on the constant path loss exponent and the current maximum received signal strength value when a determination is that the current maximum received signal strength value is the first maximum received signal strength value; and outputting the current indoor position.

Abstract: A method for providing navigation information to a user, the method including: inputting identification associated with the user into one terminal of a plurality of terminals distributed throughout an area visited by the user, each terminal being located in a kiosk and operating in kiosk mode; inputting a destination; computing a route from the kiosk to the destination; and presenting the route as the navigation information to the user.

Abstract: A smartphone (10) includes an area information obtaining unit (17), a map information obtaining unit (18), and a display unit (12). The area information obtaining unit (17) obtains area information indicating at least one area communicable directly or indirectly. The map information obtaining unit (18) obtains location information indicating a location associated with the airplane (2). The display unit (12) displays the area information and the location information in a superimposed manner.

Abstract: An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed that provide for creating an accurate representation of a roadway network, such as for planning vehicle travel routes. Positioning data is obtained, such as GPS data points from a plurality of vehicles, which mark traces of vehicular travel. A location of a trace is clarified using adjustment forces that are related to the traces, for example, to form coherent groups of traces. From these groups of clarified traces, a graph line is created by merging the traces.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a vehicle using a GPS receiver (9) and a predefinable coordinate system, in particular a city map, a map, a nautical chart or the like, comprises the following method steps: determination of the GPS coordinates by means of a GPS receiver or some other suitable method, for example Gallileo, beacon, etc., projection of the determined coordinates onto the coordinate system and correction of the GPS coordinates or the projected coordinates in the sense of compound navigation. A corresponding device is specified.

Abstract: A system for assisting in docking of a machine at a loading location is provided. The system includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is configured to generate a signal indicative of one or more loading locations associated with a loading machine. The second controller is communicably coupled to the first controller, a position detection module, a sensor and a display unit. Based on the signals received from the first controller, the position detection module and the sensor, the second controller compares the received signals and selects an exact loading location of the one or more loading locations. The second controller then determines when the current position of the machine crosses a predefined threshold distance and displays, on the display unit, a zoomed-in top view of the machine on the worksite and the exact loading location, based on the determination.

Abstract: In a navigation system, e.g., for a motor vehicle, for determining the route from a location of the navigation system to a destination point, the navigation system includes a display device for displaying the route in a map display or a map-type display, and/or a direction indication that corresponds to the route, and it is possible to simultaneously display a canonically oriented graphic or image of a prominent route point with the aid of the display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting or providing instructions to spraying systems are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus to identify sensitive areas is provided. The apparatus comprising: a module to electronically receive sensitive area information, the sensitive area information related to one or more sensitive areas proximate to a first specified location; a module to electronically receive an identity of a first substance to be sprayed at the first specified location; and an alert mechanism to provide an indication of a first sensitive area proximate to the first specified location which is sensitive to the first substance.

Abstract: A device for determining a position of a vehicle, including a position determining device for determining the position, and a transmitter for sending the position to the vehicle. Also described is a method and a system for determining a position of a vehicle. In addition, a computer program is also described.

Abstract: A method for estimating location, and an apparatus using the same. The method for estimating location includes receiving information on the location of a plurality of external apparatuses from the plurality of external apparatuses; setting estimable areas for estimating an area wherein there is a possibility that the device is located based on the information on the location of the plurality of external apparatuses; and determining a predetermined area of the estimable areas to be an estimation area wherein there is the possibility that the device is located. If it is impossible to receive a GPS signal, the location information of a device is estimated using information on the location of an external apparatus communicable with the device.

Abstract: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.11 communications carried through beacons as well as GPS or other location data and local map information.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a mobile loading machine operating at a first location and a plurality of mobile haul machines configured to move material received at the first location to a second location. The control system may have a plurality of control modules, each associated with one of the mobile loading machine and the plurality of mobile haul machines, and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to make a determination that a position of the mobile loading machine has changed, and to generate a new travel path for the plurality of mobile haul machines based on the determination. The worksite controller may also be configured to selectively communicate the new travel path to each of the plurality of control modules. The new travel path between the first and second locations may be automatically determined in accordance with at least one user-selected goal.

Abstract: A mode controller determines whether to use an automated control mode of the spout or operator-directed manual control mode of the spout, based on a first operational status of a first location determining receiver associated with the propelling vehicle, a second operational status of a second location determining receiver associated with the harvesting vehicle, a third operational status of the imaging device or devices. In the automated control mode, an image processing module is adapted to facilitate the determination of the relative position of the spout and the storage portion and to generate command data place the storage portion and spout in relative cooperative alignment for transferring of material into the storage portion.

Abstract: A route display device is provided. The device includes an acquirer installed in a movable body and configured to acquire a position and a direction of the movable body. The device also includes a route memory configured to store a route with a plurality of waypoints. The device also includes a display unit including a display screen having a linear route display section and configured to linearly display the route in a vertical axis of the linear route display section and positional relation of either one of the movable body and one or more targets with respect to the route in left-and-right directions of the route in a horizontal axis of the linear route display section. The device also includes a display controller configured to control a display position of either one of the movable body and the target with respect to the route.

Abstract: A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transmitting the location of each signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein each respective signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of the signaling units and for transmitting the location of the signaling units when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically creating stopping rates of vehicles at signal-equipped intersections. A signal-equipped intersection to be subjected to specifying of stopping rates at signal-equipped intersections is selected from a signal-equipped-intersection information storage unit as a target intersection, a pass-through-intersection extraction that extracts a signal-equipped intersection that was passed-through just before reaching the target intersection as a pass-through intersection is conducted according to a prescribed rule, driving-history data of a probe car is classified for each of the routes that start from the pass-through intersection and pass through the target intersection, and the rate at which the probe car stopped at the target intersection is specified as a stopping rate, for each of the classified routes.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for illustrating travel time. The device includes a display screen, a starting point indicator, a destination indicator, a travel path, and a progress indicator. The starting point indicator represents a starting point and is adapted for display on the display screen. The destination indicator represents a destination point and is adapted for display on the display screen. The travel path represents a path of travel between the starting point and the destination point. The progress indicator is adapted to indicate a point between the starting point indicator and the destination indicator and is adapted for movement along the travel path. A method for illustrating travel time comprises displaying a starting point indicator on a display screen, displaying a destination indicator on the display screen, and displaying a progress indicator.

Abstract: A navigation system and method for determining a location of a navigator in a navigation environment using coded markers located within the navigation environment. In one example, the navigation system includes a camera apparatus configured to obtain an image of a scene containing images of at least one coded marker in a navigation environment, video analytics configured to read the at least one coded marker, and a processor coupled to the video analytics and configured to determine a position fix of a navigator based on a known location of the at least one coded marker.

Abstract: A navigation system comprises a detection part for detecting a location and a speed of a navigation apparatus, a voice message weight storage part for storing voice message weight association information, which associates a weight with each of multiple voice messages, a rule storage part for storing priority rule information denoting a rule for deciding a priority for each of multiple voice messages, a priority decision part for deciding a priority for each of the multiple voice messages based on the priority rule information, and a voice output part for outputting from the navigation apparatus multiple voice messages in a sequence conforming to the decided priority. The rule denoted by the priority rule information is a rule for deciding the priority for each voice message based on the detected location and speed of the navigation apparatus, and the weight of each voice message denoted by the voice-weight association information.

Abstract: Accurate position capability can be quickly provided using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). When associated with a WLAN, a wireless device can quickly determine its relative and/or coordinate position based on information provided by an access point in the WLAN. Before a wireless device disassociates with the access point, the WLAN can periodically provide time, location, and decoded GPS data to the wireless device. In this manner, the wireless device can significantly reduce the time to acquire the necessary GPS satellite data (i.e. on the order of seconds instead of minutes) to determine its coordinate position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for comparing multi-dimensional datasets are provided. A multi-dimensional dataset comparison includes receiving a plurality of datasets, each including a plurality of coordinates, wherein a subset of coordinates defines a geo-fence. For a coordinate within a geo-fence of one of the plurality of datasets, determining analogous coordinates in each of the other datasets, the analogous coordinates defining a coordinate input set, and performing in parallel an operation on the coordinate input set to determine whether an entry is present at a coordinate of the coordinate input set.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to use a vehicle back-up camera as a cost-effective dead-reckoning sensor in satellite-based vehicle navigation systems. Since the back-up camera may already use a display of the navigation system for display, the data from the back-up camera may be easily obtained and integrated into the navigation system. The data from the camera is received by a navigation receiver wirelessly or through a wired connection. The image is processed to determine the speed, heading, turn-rate of the vehicle to aid the satellite-based navigation system if the satellite signals are inadequate. Thus, enhanced vehicle navigation- performance can be obtained without adding new sensors and/or connecting to a vehicle data bus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation using cross correlation on evidence grids are provided. In one embodiment, a system for using cross-correlated evidence grids to acquire navigation information comprises: a navigation processor coupled to an inertial measurement unit, the navigation processor configured to generate a navigation solution; a sensor configured to scan an environment; an evidence grid creator coupled to the sensor and the navigation processor, wherein the evidence grid creator is configured to generate a current evidence grid based on data received from the sensor and the navigation solution; a correlator configured to correlate the current evidence grid against a historical evidence grid stored in a memory to produce displacement information; and where the navigation processor receives correction data derived from correlation of evidence grids and adjusts the navigation solution based on the correction data.

Abstract: A position detector is configured to detect a current position of a moving body. A condition detector is configured to detect moving conditions including a forward direction of the moving body. A display unit is configured to display a predetermined image overlaid on the landscape in front of the moving body. A storage unit is configured to store the position of each intersection in a route along which the moving body moves and the position and shape of each object existing around the intersection. A selector is configured to select any one of the objects existing around an intersection for which guidance is needed when the moving body nears the intersection. A drawing controller is configured to draw on the display unit, a guide figure indicating the object selected by the selector.

Abstract: A low-cost display unit that displays wayfinding information to a traveler in a public travel-related area is disclosed and may include a communication interface that facilitates receiving of travel-related information, a machine-readable marking reader that determines the presence of a travel document having one or more machine readable markings, scans the one or more machine-readable markings, and decodes the scanned one or more machine-readable markings, wherein the one or more machine-readable markings contain encoded traveled-related information pertaining to the traveler; and a display control unit that receives the decoded one or more machine-readable marking, determines the traveler's destination in the public travel-related area from the decoded one or more machine-readable markings, determines the path that the traveler should travel to reach the destination, and displays the determined path to the traveler on the low-cost display unit.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for determining the parking difficulty of segments of a geographic area. A system may include portable computers and vehicle navigation systems traversing segments of a geographic area. Location tracks may be received corresponding to the paths of the vehicles. The location tracks may be evaluated to determine if they are from a vehicle searching for parking. Some segments of the searching-for-parking location tracks may be included in a circle event, and the number circle events that include a segment may indicate the difficulty of parking in that segment. The parking difficulty may be expressed as a parking difficulty index and may be transmitted to a computer for view on an interactive map or for use in determining directions to a destination.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method are provided that may be carried out by an avionics display system deployed on an aircraft and including a monitor. The avionics display system receives position data indicative of the aircraft's detected position from at least one data source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (i) attributing an error characteristic to the data source, (ii) identifying an airspace assigned to the aircraft at a given time, and (iii) establishing an error-compensated airspace as a function of the error characteristic and the assigned airspace. The aircraft's actual position remains within the assigned airspace provided that the aircraft's detected position resides within the error-compensated airspace. A visual representation of the outer boundaries of the error-compensated airspace is generated on the monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a path using a limited memory size are provided. An approximate path is generated based on a reduced grid map generated by reducing an original grid map. Then, an approximate path is mapped onto the original grid map, and the mapped path is enlarged and divided into a plurality of sections based on an available memory size used for path calculation. Based on a start point and a destination point set in each of the divided sections, a detailed path in each of the sections is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing independent weapon launch or release control for an unmanned or autonomous vehicle by ensuring the vehicle is within its weapon launch area using geographic position information from a navigational source such as GPS, comparing the position of the vehicle to the weapon's launch boundaries, and arming or disarming the vehicle's weapon launch capability based on its location relative to the weapon launch area.

Abstract: A facility searching technique easier to operate and having high degree of freedom. A facility searching device is constructed from a database on map information, a database relating to various kinds of facilities and including positional information of the facilities, a display unit for displaying, based on the map information, a map of a predetermined area, a pointing device for inputting a position located on the displayed map, a voice input unit for inputting by voice an instruction relating to search for facilities, and unit (25, 29, 30, 31) for performing the search for facilities upon receiving the input of a position or the input of an instruction (steps 21-22, 24, 26, 27, 28), the search being based on the inputted position and the instruction.