Abstract: An apparatus for providing instructions to a destination that is revealed upon arrival may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive indications of context associated with a user, determine a destination for the user based on the context and user information, provide for a presentation of guidance instructions to guide the user to the destination, and reveal the destination to the user only when the user is proximate to the destination.

Abstract: Architecture that enables location based notifications (e.g., geo-fences) using standard polygons the capture of complex regions. As applied to geo-fencing, it extends geo-fencing beyond the mere representation of the virtual perimeter (fenced) area. More specifically, the architecture takes into consideration geographical and demographical features, such as the layout of the roads and streets, the types of available of transportation (e.g., car, bus, walk, biking, etc.), the traffic conditions, and the dynamic properties of a point of interest (POI) such as opening hours, total wait time, etc.

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: A map-centric service for creating, finding, and organizing social events is described. Social events may include gatherings, goods or services for sale or other types of events about which a group of people may wish to share information. The service provides a graphical indication of the location of a plurality of social events superimposed on a map, providing a geographic context to social events. The geographic context may be augmented with text graphical indications or information in other forms, further identifying characteristics of the social event. Information about social events may be made accessible to multiple users through a web service. A user may search for social events by specifying desired characteristics of the social event. The service can also generate an optimal route for user selected events.

Abstract: In a navigation device, user profiles may be stored and used to navigate a user who may be driving in a vehicle, on foot, or in another mode of transportation. Each user profile corresponds to one of the user's personae. In one embodiment the user business profile corresponds to the user's business persona, which is different from the user personal profile corresponding to the user's personal persona. The navigation device provides the user with a navigated route, together with information concerning the favorite facilities and events surrounding the navigated route, which satisfy the preferences in a selected user profile. In some embodiments, blockages may be established using the device to avoid selected areas, e.g., high crime areas, in the navigated route, or to block transmission of selected information concerning, e.g., uninteresting facilities and events, to the navigation device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reminding a calendar schedule and a recording medium are provided. First, a schedule and a location of an event are set in a calendar, and first positioning information of the location is obtained. Then, second positioning information of a current location of a mobile device is obtained. Next, the current location is determining whether to be within a signal range of a signal source. Once the current location is within the signal range, the time for moving from the location with the second positioning information to the location with the first positioning information is calculated. Finally, a reminding time is set according to the transferring time, and a reminding action is taken at the reminding time. Thereby, the reminding time of the event can be dynamically adjusted to avoid delay caused when the mobile device is too far from the event location.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying the computing architecture used by the mammalian visual system and to implement it in simulations and software algorithms, and in hardware components, is described.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having at least two propulsion engines. According to the specification of an operating controller, propulsion is provided via the first propulsion engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, and/or the second propulsion engine, in particular an electric motor. The percentage contribution of the propulsion of the second propulsion engine is controlled as a function of the data pertaining to the travel route communicated to the operating controller, taking into account a charge state of an energy accumulator. An optimized operating strategy is determined by specifying a geographic destination and/or a destination parameter of the operating strategy, the travel route being selected by taking into account the optimized operating strategy when alternate travel routes are available.

Abstract: A method for communicating navigational information to a telematics unit. The method comprises receiving route requirements; calculating a plurality of portions of a route, each portion calculated according to different sets of criteria, the criteria determined from the route requirements; and sending the plurality of portions to the telematics unit. The portions of the route can be provided to the telematics unit sequentially, with non-final portions including a trigger for indicating to the telematics unit when to request the next portion. The portions can also be provided to the telematics unit as a complete route comprising concatenated route portions.

Abstract: A navigation system is configured such that: an in-vehicle device collects and provides position information and movement information of a vehicle to a portable terminal device, and displays image data sent from the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device acquires map information from a map center device based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, calculates an actual location of the vehicle based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, and generates image data in which the calculated actual location is superposed on the acquired map information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes accessing, by a mobile device, two or more search results, each of the search results identifying a respective point-of-interest (POI), and determining a distance between the mobile device and each POI. The method may also include selecting a directional icon for each POI based on the distance to the respective POI, and displaying, by the mobile device, information identifying the POIs and, for each POI, the directional icon selected for the respective POI.

Abstract: A navigation device providing an operation screen that enables a user to select an arbitrary place that is present in a photographed image as an input unit of data search conditions and accurately performing a data search for a place selected on the operation screen in an easy manner. The device specifies map data that corresponds to the photographed image based on the display content identified from the photographed image, generates an operation screen, on which display areas of name information included in the map data are set as selectable areas, used for selecting a specific place by using the specified map data, extracts guide information that coincides with name information based on the set name information that corresponds to the selectable area that is selected out of selectable areas on the displayed operation screen on the display unit, and displays the generated guide screen on the display unit.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard.

Abstract: An air traffic control system for control of airport ground traffic includes a graphical display system configured to display a surface map, and configured to enable a controller to input, via a graphical input device, a taxi route along the surface map. Furthermore, the system includes a processor operatively coupled to the graphical display system, wherein the processor is configured to provide the surface map to the graphical display system. The processor is programmed to interpret the taxi route, and modify the taxi route to a taxiway path existing on the surface map. The system includes a transmitter communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the transmitter configured to transmit the taxiway path to an aircraft, and a datalink interface positioned onboard the aircraft and configured to receive and display the transmitted taxiway path.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a touch screen for receiving a touch input and displaying a navigation map, mode-switching means for issuing a mode-switching command to switch the navigation system into an input mode, a memory for storing a database, and a controller to recognize a handwriting input or a gesture input to acquire an input information, search the database for a facility information corresponding to the input information, and show facilities represented by the facility information in the navigation map.

Abstract: An exemplary navigation device includes an input unit, a storage unit, a GPS detector, a driving recorder, a gyroscope, and a processor. The input unit is to receive user input. The storage unit stores map database comprising road maps. The positioning detector is to detect the geographical position of a vehicle. The driving recorder is to capture video. The gyroscope is to detect the turn angle of the vehicle. Firstly, the processor determines a driving route. Then, obtains the geographical position of the vehicle, obtains video, obtains road map, obtains turn angle of the vehicle, and determine the lane that the vehicle is in according to the captured video. Next, generates indications according to the determined driving route, the road map, the lane that the vehicle is in, the turn angle of the vehicle, and the geographical position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with a connector by means of which said PND can be physically connected to third party devices or systems.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining navigation instructions within a pedestrian navigation environment. For example, a system and method are provided for determining an optimal path to a destination. An optimal path may be determined based at least in part on a measurement of similarity between one or more points of interest and one or more destinations. Such a measurement of similarity may be based at least in part on predefined criteria between the one or more destinations and one or more points of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electronic cartage application includes a log module configured to maintain a log of cartage operator status entries for a cartage operator. The apparatus includes a comparison module configured to compare the log of cartage operator status entries for a particular time period with automated movement data for a vehicle operated by the cartage operator during the particular time period. The apparatus includes a detection module configured to detect a difference between the log of cartage operator status entries and the automated movement data that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A travel route generating method for an unmanned vehicle, which includes a condition input step of inputting a vehicle constraint condition including a vehicle width and a minimum turning radius of the unmanned vehicle, and a geometrical constraint condition including a travel route generation range in which the unmanned vehicle is to travel, an obstacle to avoid, and a position and a direction of an entrance point and an exit point; and a travel route generating step of generating a travel route such that the vehicle constraint condition and the geometrical constraint condition are satisfied, and such that a function value of a cost function having at least a magnitude of a curve and/or a rate of change in the curve as a cost element is minimized.

Abstract: A method is provided for presenting audio information related to scenic points of interest (POIs) to a user traveling along a predetermined route. The predetermined route is guided by a navigation device for providing audio navigation announcements that include turn-by-turn directions to the user. The predetermined route is defined between the starting location and a destination that includes scenic POIs. Audio navigation announcements are output to the user for selectively guiding the user along the predetermined route. An active region around each POI while traveling along the predetermined route is used to identify a current POI. Audio POI information is reproduced relating to the current POI while the user is within the active region of the current POI. Audio POI information reproduced to the user is selectively scheduled at a time not conflicting with the audio navigation announcements output to the user.

Abstract: A method for navigation of a vehicle using a navigation system with stored map data having road segments comprising determining a current road segment and a current position of the vehicle in the current road segment and receiving a user input command. The method determines a destination in the current road segment or in another road segment of a parallel lane of the current road segment, the determining being initiated by the input. A route from the current position to the destination is calculated in the absence of a turn-around maneuver within the current road segment.

Abstract: A method of planning a vehicle route includes estimating fuel requirements of identified alternative routes or route segments using navigation, vehicle, and powertrain information. The method also includes displaying for a vehicle operator a list of alternate routes that features either absolute or relative values representative of such estimated fuel requirements. The method further includes adapting values used to estimate fuel requirements based upon current powertrain operating parameters, and alerting the vehicle operator when actual vehicle fuel economy along a selected route varies significantly from the estimated fuel requirement.

Abstract: A smart navigation device includes a storage unit for storing map information therein, a positioning module for determining a current location, and a navigation module for generating a navigation route based on a target location, the current location, and the map information. When the navigation route includes a plurality of toll roads and one of which is selected to be excluded from the navigation route, the navigation module re-plans to generate a cost-saving navigation route. Therefore, a user is allowed to select and avoid any toll road on the navigation route. A smart navigation method applicable to vehicle navigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of method of assigning routes for a plurality of users allocated to different classes is provided. A first group of users is identified based on a user classification, wherein each user of the first group of users has a first user classification. A second group of users is identified based on the user classification, wherein each user of the second group of users has a second user classification. The first user classification is different from the second user classification. A disutility value is calculated for each user of the first group of users and for each user of the second group of users using a travel disutility function based on an origin and a destination of each user of the first group of users and each user of the second group of users. A bi-level problem solver is executed to optimize the disutility value based on the user classification.

Abstract: An enhanced navigation system allowing navigation route and destination planning according to user-specified criteria for the emotion state of persons along the route, at the destination, or both. The enhancement is accomplished by receiving a set of human emotion metrics corresponding to one or more parts of a navigation plan; determining if the human emotion metrics meet one or more user-specified criteria; responsive to not meeting the criteria, determining an alternate navigation plan until the user-specified criteria are met; and responsive to the criteria being met, presenting the navigation plan to the user for laying into a navigation system, and optionally during execution of the navigation plan updating the received human emotion metrics; repeating the determination against the user-specified criteria; and repeating the steps of determining an alternate navigation plan and presentation to a user responsive to the updated human emotion metrics not meeting the user-specified criteria.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing travel time information for a plurality of positions on an electronic map. The system provides map data including information on road segments, determines a plurality of road segment travel times based on the map data, selects a plurality of positions for which travel time information is to provided, determines a travel time for each of these positions in dependence on the road segment travel times, and displays an optical indicator for the travel times on an electronic map.

Abstract: Provided is a technology of a navigation device which is capable of identifying an intersection or the like based on designation of an incomplete name of a street in which an input of a first keyword and an input of a second keyword are received, and a connection point of a first street having a street name which includes at least in part the first keyword and a second street having a street name which includes at least in part the second keyword is identified, to thereby save the user, who is not always familiar with the geography of a search target area, from the inconvenience of inputting a complete name of the first street, based on which the second street is retrieved and selected and an intersection point of the first street and the second street is identified.

Abstract: Enabling dynamic routing or mapping information, or combinations thereof, based on one or more user specified tasks may include determining one or more locations where one or more user specified tasks can be accomplished and dynamically determining at least one of routing and mapping information from current location of a user to said one or more locations.

Abstract: A method and system for generating optimal itineraries based on network connectivity. A computer receives a first message from which a current position of a vehicle on a trip, destination, service(s) being provided to mobile device(s) in the vehicle, service provider(s) and network(s) are extracted. Optimal itineraries are generated by generating sets of optimal parameters that include paths for which connectivity measures satisfy predefined criteria and hops that indicate positions associated with connectivity changes. A response to the first message indicates the optimal itineraries and the associated sets of optimal parameters and is sent to a vehicle-based device. Sending the response results in the mobile device(s) making the connectivity changes when the vehicle is detected at the hops.

Abstract: A method of finding a path from a start point to a target point, in multi-dimensional space, including: (a) determining a plurality of points in a physical space, including a start point and an target point; (b) computing, using a cost function, for said points an accumulated path cost from the start point to a point; representing a minimal cost path from the start point to the point with respect to an optimization criteria; (c) computing for at least some of said points an estimated-cost-to-target from a point to the target point; and (d) after computing said costs, determining at least one of a minimal path or a minimal path cost of a path from the start point to the target point in the physical space, wherein the determination is based on said accumulated path costs, and is minimal with respect to the optimization criteria.

Abstract: An enhanced navigation system allowing navigation route and destination planning according to user-specified criteria for the emotion state of persons along the route, at the destination, or both. The enhancement is accomplished by receiving a set of human emotion metrics corresponding to one or more parts of a navigation plan; determining if the human emotion metrics meet one or more user-specified criteria; responsive to not meeting the criteria, determining an alternate navigation plan until the user-specified criteria are met; and responsive to the criteria being met, presenting the navigation plan to the user for laying into a navigation system, and optionally during execution of the navigation plan updating the received human emotion metrics; repeating the determination against the user-specified criteria; and repeating the steps of determining an alternate navigation plan and presentation to a user responsive to the updated human emotion metrics not meeting the user-specified criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a navigation system determines whether an upcoming cross street is meaningful for a user to be displayed. The includes the steps of searching upcoming cross streets that intersect with a current street on which a user's vehicle is running for a predetermined distance range ahead of a current vehicle position, retrieving data concerning the upcoming cross streets from the map data, determining whether a cross street is meaningful for the user to be displayed on a screen of the navigation system by applying predetermined rules to the data concerning the cross street, and displaying information on the cross street that has been determined to be meaningful for the user on the screen.

Abstract: A computer system and media for delivering routing information are provided. The computer system includes a routing engine, a database, and routing network that are employed to respond to routing requests and user modifications of routing information received in response to the routing requests. The routing engine receives the routing requests and generates routing information that illustrates a route and metadata for directions that guides a user when navigating the route. A user that is dissatisfied with the routing information may use route modification tools to alter the route in a manner that is consistent with the user's understanding of alternate routes that may supplement the routing information provided by the routing engine. The computer system receives the user modifications, stores the user modifications, and updates the routing network to learn the alternate route provided in the user modifications.

Abstract: A system and method for a self-service digital photograph processing station user to send data representative of a photographic image to a photograph printing facility located in or near a geographic region remote from the self-service digital photograph processing station, but near an intended recipient of the photographic image. The method includes entering at least a portion of the intended recipients telephone number, which may include the area code and exchange number. An augmented map is displayed showing a map of the geographic area that corresponds with the area code and exchange number, and one or more available photograph printing facilities superimposed on the map. One or more of the available photograph printing facilities are selected and sent the data representative of the photographic image. The intended recipient may then pick up the photograph image after it is printed by the selected photograph printing facility.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing the effect of road curvature on the travel time and the comfort level of a path determined by a ground based route planning system. The methods and systems identify a path and determine an allowable speed profile of the path, wherein the allowable speed profile satisfies a cross track acceleration constraint. Thereafter, the methods and systems determine an optimal speed profile of the path, wherein the optimal speed profile satisfies both an along track acceleration constraint and a speed constraint. Using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be factored into a determination of the traversal time of the path. Additionally, using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be used to derive a comfort level of the path and/or to provide driver assistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a navigation device which performs communication with an information-providing server device. The navigation device (3) includes a communication section (11) which transmits a message to the server device for a response confirmation, and receives a response message with respect to the message from the server device; a response value obtaining section (12) which determines a time duration from a time when the message is transmitted to another time when the response message is received, and obtains a response value indicating a communication state in relation to a communication time on the basis of the determined time duration; and a communication-parameter setting section (13) which determines an optimal communication parameter on the basis of the response value obtained by the response value obtaining device, and sets the optimal communication parameter in a communication parameter in relation to a communication disconnection condition used in the navigation device (3).

Abstract: A planning apparatus for use in a hybrid vehicle specifies a plan section for the purpose of creating a travel plan, and stores the plan section in a durable storage medium. The medium-stored plan section is then presented for an occupant of the vehicle, for the purpose of confirmation. The stored plan section may be modified according to an intention of the occupant, thereby enabling the occupant's intention to be reflected to the plan section. Then, the plan section reflecting the occupant's intention is used to create a travel plan of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide navigation devices (10) and methods for receiving and/or forming geoblogs. The provided navigation devices (10) are generally operable to retrieve a geoblog utilizing the current geographic location of the device (10) and a user input, form a geoblog utilizing the current geographic location of the device (10) and selected pre-defined comment, and/or automatically title a geoblog utilizing a current geographic location of the device (10). Such configurations and variations thereof enable users to easily share information related to a geographic location.

Abstract: Conventional map information processing apparatuses have the problem of not being able to automatically provide appropriate information according to map browse operations. The present invention provides a map information processing apparatus, comprising: a map information storage portion in which map information, which is information of a map, can be stored; an accepting portion that accepts a map browse operation, which is an operation to browse the map; an operation information sequence acquiring portion that acquires operation information, which is information of an operation corresponding to the map browse operation; a keyword acquiring portion that acquires at least one keyword from the map information using the operation information; a retrieving portion that retrieves information using the at least one keyword; and an information output portion that outputs the information retrieved by the retrieving portion.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: A route searching method is provided which allows drivers having mutually similar traveling purposes and preferences to find highly convenient routes by sharing their route searching know-how. A center apparatus (1) collects probe data received from an in-vehicle terminal apparatus (5). A preference parameter creating unit (14) calculates, based on the probe data, road usage frequencies according to preference items such as vehicle type, driver age and gender, and travel purpose which can be factors for route selection and stores the calculated road usage frequencies as preference parameters in a preference parameter database (15). A route searching unit (513) included in the in-vehicle terminal apparatus (5) requests the center apparatus (1) to transmit a preference parameter similar to user attribute information (519), adjusts link costs according to the preference parameter received from the center apparatus, and determines a minimum-cost route to a destination.

Abstract: A process is provided for operating a route acquisition system, configured for determining route data during movement of the route acquisition system along preset routes, and for storing the latter as electronic routes in the data memory. A preset selection of routes is determined as a function of the stored electronic routes. For each route of the preset selection, a route count and a route point in time, and a first and a second route time indication, are determined. A route evaluation is determined for each route based on the assigned route count, the assigned route point in time, and the first and second route time indication. As a function of a determined size of the occupied storage space of the data memory, the respective route of the preset selection is deleted from the data memory as a function of its assigned route evaluation.

Abstract: A method for the automatic, computer-assisted determination of a route travelable by motor vehicles from a starting point to a destination point based on digitalized map data, wherein a computer acquires a starting point and destination point and determines the route based on possible road segments in such a way that the automatically generated route has a high recreational value. To this end, it is proposed that the computer determining the route preferably incorporate those road segments into the route that exhibit a high number of curves.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that uses one or more points, e.g., “smart via” input points, e.g., a center of a city such as a large city, to determine one or more points, e.g., smart via output points. A smart via output point determined from a smart via input point can be used, together with origination and destination points, to identify an optimal navigational route between the origination and destination points. A navigational route generated using the smart via output point, an origination point and a destination point travels in proximity to the smart via input point.

Abstract: Navigation instructions using low-bandwidth signaling are supported in an alternative user interface that may be utilized as either a full replacement or as an enhancement to conventional visual/audio navigation interfaces. In one illustrative example, the alternative interface makes use of the more constrained, but generally broadly available low-bandwidth signaling capability of mobile devices to encode navigation instructions in the form of varying patterns of tactile vibrations that may be imparted from the device to a user as haptic feedback. The user can sense the vibrations and readily translate them into the navigation instructions without needing any kind of special decoding equipment or using any special techniques. The vibrations may be encoded using easy to remember patterns so that a full and rich navigation feature set may be accessed with minimal training on the user's part.

Abstract: A route reporting method, system, and a recording medium using the same are provided. The present method detects a touch and draws a path according to a moving trajectory of the touch. When the touch is finished, a dialog block is displayed to insert route mark information in the drawn path. The aforesaid steps are repeated to draw a plurality of paths. When an end signal is received, those paths are assembled to form a complete route map, which is provided for users to search for routes.

Abstract: A navigation user interface displays a route to be navigated over a road view map. If a user selects a particular segment of the displayed route, text-based directions associated with the particular route segment are displayed, with a selectable area to return to the map view. Additionally, as the road view map is zoomed in, when the zoom level reaches a threshold zoom level, the navigation user interface automatically transitions to displaying a satellite view map overlaid with at least a portion of the route to be navigated.