Abstract: A cellular-based live traffic service that does not require pre-deployment of infrastructure or GPS-enabled devices uses signals provided by cellular devices to determine course resolution localization and tracking information of the cellular devices. Specialized statistical analysis is performed on the course resolution data to infer the fine resolution positions of the cellular devices. In an example embodiment, the localization and tracking information is provided on a map, or the like, to show relative position and/or trajectory of cellular devices.

Abstract: A system for digital network map development and maintenance. The system provides for optimizing digital network maps that serve as the reference basis for location-based systems such as, but not limited to, route guidance, multi-modal transportation system monitoring, location-based consumer applications, and vehicle fleet administration. The system provides the ability to develop and maintain digital route maps derived at least in part from data on the routes that drivers or users actually travel to update a digital map. For a route defined between two or more points, costs may be assigned to each road segment. As such, given a collection of route preferences, an algorithm is provided that is capable of generating an optimized route planning digital map by finding and assigning a set of costs to road segments in a way that is consistent with these preferences.

Abstract: A commuter groups service (CGS) allows commuters to join commuter groups so that they are able to socialize while commuting. Through the commuter groups, the users may share commuting routes, traffic updates, road conditions, and other information. Group members may arrange car pools, short term riding arrangements, and may anonymously or directly contact each other. The CGS may collect group member position information, e.g. GPS information, to enable the CGS to calculate traffic conditions and to select location specific information for group members. The system may include an on-line service accessible through a computer or wireless networking device. The user may log into the CGS, create or modify a user profile, and join groups of their choosing. Groups may be associated with specific events or with getting to/from work.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a 3-dimensional landmark providing a 3-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional real world object located at a predefined geographic location is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a data set containing the 3-dimensional landmark, determining a largest continuous horizontal surface of the 3-dimensional landmark, and storing the determined largest horizontal surface as road traffic area of a road network used by a user when moving on the object.

Abstract: A map information processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor for calculating a vehicle position; a data generation unit for generating traveling locus data on the basis of the calculated vehicle position when the vehicle position deviates from a road; a registration unit for registering the traveling locus data generated by the data generation unit in a temporarily registered road list as a temporarily registered road; an operation unit for selecting one of temporarily registered roads registered in the temporarily registered road list; and an official registration unit for registering the selected temporarily registered road in an officially registered road list as an officially registered road in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit, generating road data on the basis of traveling locus data relating to the temporarily registered road, and adding the generated road data to a map data stored in a map data storage unit.

Abstract: A system for estimating the most probable path followed by a vehicle on a road network, including a device for acquiring a data element for locating the vehicle on the road network; a map of the territory through which the road network passes, comprising data indicative of the corresponding designated use of a plurality of areas of territory associated with the sections of the road network; and a processing unit arranged to assign an improved travel probability to a road section as a function of the designated use of the area of territory associated with the aforesaid road section. The system calculates the most probable path for the vehicle according to the improved probabilities assigned to the consecutive road sections. A method for estimating the most probable path followed by a vehicle on a road network is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: identifying a device location; selecting a maneuver type with the device location; and determining a junction-type with the maneuver type for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A method of providing location information through a navigation device, the method including: obtaining location information from the Internet; and converting the obtained location information into data that can be used in the navigation device.

Abstract: A method and system for searching for points of interest along a route is disclosed. A relation that includes records that associate link identifiers, point of interest identifiers, and distances between the links and the points of interest is generated during the compilation process of a first version of a geographic database. The relation is stored in compiled database products. When a compiled database product is being used by a navigation system, for example, navigation application software programs use the relation to accurately and efficiently find points of interest along a computed route.

Abstract: An indoor navigational system determines a location of a moveable object in an indoor area and displays this location to a user. The system includes one or more dead-reckoning sensors, one or more absolute position sensors, and a processor. The processor determines the location of the moveable object based on signals received from the sensors. The system also includes a display device to display the location of the moveable object in a graphical representation of the indoor area based on messages from the processor indicating the location of the moveable object.

Abstract: A method of assisting in road navigation for a vehicle includes: identifying the active route of the vehicle from a navigation system including elements for locating the vehicle and mapping, extracting, from calculating elements, a plurality of radii of curvature of the active route which are calculated from a first sampling of points of the active route, calculating: the points of the active route corresponding to curvature angle inversions, the active route between two curve inversions representing a bend, and the length of each section of the active route between two consecutive inversion points; generating a road profile including at least generating a section in a referential system in which the radius of curvature is a function of the length of the bend, and displaying the generated road profile.

Abstract: A map of a facility is provided. Dispatch instructions for dispatching a mobile device from a starting location to the facility at a destination within a geographical area are received, and a current location of the mobile device is detected as the mobile device moves from the starting location towards the destination. The map of the facility is received based on the dispatch instructions and the current location of the mobile device, and the map of the facility is provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for obtaining position data of a plurality of points on a movement route, including a positioning unit that can measure a present position; a movement measuring unit for measuring a relative positional change; a position calculating unit for calculating position data of the plurality of points on the movement route on the basis of position data of a first reference point and positional change data obtained through measurement of the movement measuring unit; and a correcting unit for correcting the position data of at least one of the plurality of points calculated by the position calculating unit on the basis of difference information representing difference between a position represented by the position data calculated by the position calculating unit and a position represented by a positioning result of the positioning unit with respect to any second reference point on the movement route.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a sky visibility map, using data from a vehicle and its neighbors. A host vehicle with satellite-based navigation capability measures the quality of signals it receives from available satellites, where azimuth and elevation angles of the satellites are known from an ephemeris or almanac. The host vehicle also receives satellite signal data from surrounding vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Using data from all of the vehicles, a sky visibility map is constructed, indicating where obstructions to satellite visibility exist for different locations. The sky visibility map is used to anticipate satellite signal quality. A driving environment classification can be used to configure other vehicle systems. The sky visibility map can also be constructed without using data from surrounding vehicles; the host vehicle can store its satellite signal data long-term and use it to estimate satellite visibility when returning to a location previously visited.

Abstract: When users travel to an intended destination, a plurality of information can be beneficial to assist their travel. If a person is traveling to a crowded event, then information can be provided such that congested traffic areas can be provided. There can be financial opportunities available in relation to providing information concerning an intended destination. An advertiser can pay money to have information played about the advertiser when it relates to the intended destination. Furthermore, a user can pay money for detailed data concerning an intended location, such as where cheapest parking is located.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for courier management. For example, in one embodiment, a courier application is executed on a mobile computing device to retrieve a list of stops associated with a courier from a computing device over a network. The list of stops includes a plurality of orders to be delivered, wherein a customer location is associated with each order. The courier application generates user interfaces to facilitate a confirmation that items associated with orders have been delivered, to facilitate an input of a review of the performance of the courier, and to perform other functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to wireless vehicle-to-X communication by means of radio key (RKE) with a transceiver. The radio key transceiver is designed to send and receive not only data associated with the keyless driving authorization but also vehicle-to-X communication data. The radio key X communication can be used between two vehicles equipped with this radio key communication technique in order to communicate data such as positions, weather conditions or warnings quickly and reliably. This wireless communication technique using radio keys can also be used for coordinating emergency services when searching for an accident scene.

Abstract: A motor vehicle combination is provided. The motor vehicle combination includes a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is embodied as passenger car. In addition, the motor vehicle combination includes at least one trailer. The at least one trailer can be mechanically connected to the towing vehicle. In addition, the motor vehicle combination comprises a bidirectional communication unit, which is designed for exchanging data between the towing vehicle and the at least one trailer.

Abstract: Distances between locations traveled by a carpool driver in a carpooling system may be initially estimated by calculating direct, straight line distances between each of the location points. Travel speeds may also be initially estimated using an expected maximum vehicle speed, which may a maximum speed limit. An estimated travel time may then be calculated from this data to initially designate passengers as eligible or ineligible for carpooling with a carpool driver.

Abstract: A system and method for conditionally transitioning a navigation process on a mobile device between an active state and a reduced activity state are described. In particular, a transition of the navigation process between the active state and the reduced activity state may occur in response to the mobile device approaching a transition location on a predetermined route where the navigation process is to transition to the active state.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for providing a transportation route to a user terminal. Travel information is received at a route-generating unit from the user terminal. Public transportation information, including real-time public transportation information, is received at the route-generating unit from a public transportation information unit. One or more transportation routes are determined in accordance with the received travel information and the received public transportation information at the route-generating unit. The one or more transportation routes are transmitted from the route-generating unit to the user terminal.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a path by defining a plurality of contiguous geographical regions, each to have a uniform value of a characteristic affecting travel through the region and evaluating the path from a point in an origin region through an intermediate region to a point in a destination region. Related methods and means of representing paths, and systems to implement the methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: When a user enters an indoor space, such as a building, where it is difficult to obtain absolute positioning information, probable indoor path information is estimated based on outer appearance information of the building that the user is presumed to have entered and the moving distance and moving direction of the user. Also, location information calculated according to an estimated navigation method is selectively corrected by using the estimated indoor path information.

Abstract: A system and a method of assisting a driver in driving an electric vehicle in a more environmentally efficient manner are disclosed. In particular, an information collecting section collects information operating the electric vehicle and a control logic section generates control logic and models related to route calculation to a destination and operation of the electric vehicle based on the collected information. A route setting section calculates a plurality of travel routes based on the control logic and the model related to the route calculation and sets an optimum travel route having the highest energy efficiency among the plurality of travel routes. A vehicle driving controller monitors the vehicle state and controls driving of the electric vehicle based on the control logic and the model related to the driving of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle travels along the optimum travel route set by the route setting section.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a current position for locating a device; adding a new edge from a road topology map to a topological tree based on the current position; removing an old edge from the topological tree based on the current position; determining a matched edge of the topological tree based on the current position and the topological tree; and calculating an adjusted location based on the matched edge for displaying on the device.

Abstract: A navigation system, device and method for assisting a mobile user in navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a processing unit configured to execute a navigation program, output peripherals, to provide navigation instructions to the mobile user, the device having access to a satellite radiolocalization module, arranged to acquire the current location, to a map database, containing cartographic information, and to a sensor peripheral; the navigation program being further arranged to generate navigation instructions according to a computed route based on the acquired current location, the cartographic information and a desired destination; the device having a normal operation mode and at least one low-power mode, wherein the navigation device is configured to change mode according to the one or more of the following data: the current location; the computed route; data provided from the sensor peripheral; and by the corresponding method.

Abstract: A method for the localization of a certain route section from a first digitized map in a second digitized map. An origin root point is established with regard to a route section in the first map, and the coordinates of this origin root point are determined. Starting from the origin root point, an origin tree structure is generated from a plurality of branches. A reference root point is established in the second map in the vicinity of the coordinates of the origin root point, and in a similar way, a reference tree structure is generated, starting from the reference root point, from a plurality of branches on which tree points are situated in such a way that they correspond in each case to a point of a traffic route in the second map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and presenting schematic maps, which are maps that present information in a format that presents only information that is most relevant to a given situation in order to provide a simple and clear representation sufficient to aid a user in guidance or orientation. The schematic maps as described herein can be formatted based on the attributes of a display on which they are presented so that the map layout and presentation can be optimized for the particular display. The schematic maps can be “distorted” to better illustrate important maps areas in greater detail and using a relatively larger display area while deemphasizing less important map areas by illustrating them in less detail and using a relatively smaller display area, and thus the schematic maps can be devoid of adherence to a particular scale.

Abstract: Techniques for providing navigation support for private premises are described. In an aspect, a composite map may be generated by combining a geo-coded map for public areas with another geo-coded map for a private premise. The composite map may be generated in real time and may be provided as an aid for navigation in both the public areas and the private premise. In another aspect, a geo-coded map may be dynamically determined based on the current configuration of a private premise, which may be reconfigurable over time. The geo-coded map may include improvised roadways and/or other improvised features and may be provided as an aid for navigation within the private premise. In one design, a navigation path for a destination of a vehicle may be dynamically determined based on the current configuration of the private premise and may be provided to aid navigation.

Abstract: A procedure for determining the probability of finding a parking place within a certain period of time on a pre-set stretch of road of an area with a multiplicity of stretches of road. With this procedure, motion profiles are detected and statistically evaluated of users of radiolocation-aided, especially satellite-aided, navigation aids in the area. For each user a “parking place found” event is determined; the stretch of road in which the “parking place found” event occurred is detected; and the travel time is detected which the user expended in each of the stretches of the road until the “parking place found” event occurred. From the data thus acquired for a multiplicity of users, a probability is determined of finding a parking place within the set time span on the stretch of the road.

Abstract: A method to display a registered driving path image upon a transparent windscreen head-up display in a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a registered driving path image based upon the operating environment of the source vehicle and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered driving path image upon the head-up display.

Abstract: An approach to telematics using mobile devices provides battery-efficient trajectory and mileage inference from inaccurate and intermittent location data. Accurate trajectories of how users or vehicles move in the physical world are formed by processing raw position estimates obtained from noisy, inaccurate, and error-prone position sensors on mobile devices, where the position data may also arrive intermittently with long time gaps. The trajectory is formed using the process of map matching, which determines the trajectory on a map that best explains the sequence of position observations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimation of roadway travel information based on historical travel data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for estimating travel conditions may comprise, for example, a communication network; an automobile navigation system communicatively coupled to the communication network, the automobile navigation system for specifying a future travel information for travel along the desired route on the desired date; and a processor communicatively coupled to the communication network, the processor estimating travel conditions associated with the desired route on the desired date, and the processor performing said estimation by correlating the future travel information with historical travel information.

Abstract: An estimated travel time for a route generated by a navigation system can be modified using a route-specific, custom travel factor computed from data collected by the navigation system while the user is traveling the route. In one aspect, the data can be stored in a local or remote database accessible by the navigation system. The data can be used to classify routes so that custom travel factors computed for a route in a given class can be used to estimate travel times for other routes in the same class. In another aspect, the classified custom travel factors can be shared with other users.

Abstract: A system and method of revising data in a vehicular navigating system configured to navigate a vehicle to a target point of interest is presented. A geographical information database storing location information for a plurality of points of interest and a plurality of roadways is provided and a charging status of a vehicle is detected. When the charging status of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is charging, a location of the vehicle is recorded. The location of the vehicle when the charging status of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is charging is used to update a location of a charging station within the geographical information database.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for identifying a serviceable address that is associated with a street network connection point and a parcel drop-off point. For example, in one embodiment, the serviceable address may be associated with a street network connection point that is part of a digital map. The serviceable address may also be associated with a parcel drop-off point that includes parcel drop-off point information, such as a parcel drop-off point geo coordinate associated with the parcel drop-off point and street network connection point geo coordinate associated with the street network connection point.

Abstract: A navigation device for setting an appropriate navigation route based on a support route while reducing an amount of communicating information, is provided. The navigation server recognizes a departure position and a destination position of a user, and sets a support route connecting the departure position and the destination position, based on communication with the navigation device. The navigation device recognizes multiple links constituting a part of the support route, based on communication with the navigation server. The navigation device sets a navigation route including the links connecting the departure position and the destination position. The navigation device determines whether a deviation between a distance of an adjacent link pairs among the links along the support route and a distance thereof along the navigation route is equal to or less than a threshold value. The navigation route is output via an output device if the determination result is positive.

Abstract: A method for position determination, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes optically capturing an object having a known geographic position and matching the geographic position of the object with stored map data. The object may be a road sign having distance information, which is optically recognized at the vehicle. The distance information is subsequently evaluated using optical character recognition.

Abstract: Businesses and other entities may be assigned geographic locations based on various types of data. In one example, entities are associated with segments in a street grid. Additionally, data points (e.g., geotagged blog entries or other online information) are associated with segments in the street grid. For a given segment, data points are compared with entities to identify possible matches between the data points and the entities. Each match is assigned a score, and each match represents a possible physical location for a given entity. The locations of entities on the street are assigned, from among the matches, based on which assignment of entities optimizes the aggregate score for the segment, while satisfying one or more physical constraints.

Abstract: A travel routing system, method and program product therefor. A location detector detects a current location. A geographical database provides details of a given area. Selecting a destination causes a route generator to generate routes through the area from the current location. A flood simulator receives meteorological data and determines flooding along the routes. A risk-modeling unit determines the risk to travelers of using each route. Before the risk-modeling unit is deployed, it is trained off-line to model travel risks using incidents in an incident data store and simulated flooding in the vicinity of the incidents.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless connection conditions to a mobile vehicle, including receiving navigation route information at a call center; determining wireless connection conditions associated with the received route; and transmitting a message including wireless connection conditions associated with the navigation route to the mobile vehicle. Another example provides a computer usable medium and program code, including program code for receiving navigation route information at a call center; program code for determining wireless connection conditions associated with the received route; and program code for transmitting a message including wireless connection conditions. Another example provides a system including means for receiving navigation route information at a call center, means for determining wireless connection conditions associated with the received navigation route, and means for transmitting a message including wireless connection conditions.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating multiple vehicles. In one illustrative embodiment, machine behaviors are assigned to multiple vehicles performing a task. The vehicles are coordinated to perform the task using the assigned behaviors and a number of signals received from other vehicles and the environment during performance of the task. In another illustrative embodiment, a role is identified for each vehicle in a group of vehicles. A number of machine behaviors are assigned to each vehicle depending upon the identified role for the vehicle. The machine behaviors are selected from coordinating machine behaviors stored in a behavior library. Each vehicle is then coordinated to perform the task according to the role and machine behaviors assigned.

Abstract: Aspects relate to automatically providing updated route and predicted travel time to allow a user to travel a shortest route between a first point and a second point. A route can be planned based on a multitude of route segments, wherein historical data related to speed is known for each of the route segments. Further, the historical data is categorized based on temporal aspects, such as time of day, day of week, as well as other aspects, such as known events that can have an influence on the speed at which each route segment can be traveled. As the user moves along the route, the planned route, as well as an anticipated travel time, are almost continually updated to provide the most up-to-date and accurate data.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple vehicles to be dispatched and routed to multiple destinations, with or without constraints, containing a software core, which uses bounded geographic regions (“BGRs”) and Node Pairs to explicitly optimize, in two dimensions, for user desired dependent variables, by analyzing variance due to standard and user-defined independent variables. The invention stores Node Pair data, and can use error function, feedback, and ANOVA/MANOVA to create a tightly convergent dispatching and navigation solution.

Abstract: A navigation system containing a software core, which uses bounded geographic regions (“BGRs”) and Node Pairs to explicitly optimize, in two dimensions, for user desired dependent variables, by analyzing variance due to standard and user-defined independent variables. The invention stores Node Pair data, and can use error function, feedback, and ANOVA/MANOVA to create a tightly convergent navigation solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a navigation device which extracts an entrance and exit section which exists ahead of a vehicle and in which a vehicle is permitted to make a lane change between an HOV lane and a normal lane on the basis of information about the position of the vehicle and map data in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are defined by a single link, extracts a branch point on the HOV lane existing ahead of the vehicle on the basis of the map data and the position information, determines a guidance time for the extracted entrance and exit section, and another guidance time for the branch point, and provides guidance notifying that the vehicle can exit the HOV lane or guidance notifying that the vehicle can enter the HOV lane at the guidance time, or provides guidance on the branch at the other guidance time.

Abstract: A system for identifying a route to be traveled by an oversized vehicle. The system includes a measurement vehicle having at least one sensor attached thereto, wherein the measurement vehicle travels one or more potential routes on a roadway, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to collect data from the at least one sensor, the data providing information regarding at least one of a location, height, shape, and classification of each of a plurality of objects on or adjacent to the roadway and generate a map of the one or more potential routes traveled by the measurement vehicle.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for three dimensional routing are disclosed. For example, one embodiment includes receiving image data selected based on a viewer perspective from a memory. The image data is correlated with a depthmap generated from an optical distancing system and correlated with route data calculated from an origin point to a destination point using a geographical database and a routing algorithm. The controller compares a first distance, from the viewer perspective to a point correlated with the route data, to a second distance, derived from the depth map at the point. If the comparison indicates that the first distance is closer to the viewer perspective than the second distance, the controller inserts at least one pixel of a navigation illustration into the image data. The image data including the navigation illustration is transmitted to or stored in a memory.

Abstract: A destination retrieving method including: analyzing map data to define a relation between points of interest (POIs) as a POI relation; and providing a search result in the tree structure based on the POI relation when retrieving a destination name is provided.