Abstract: A route search system includes: a reception unit that receives a search request for a plurality of first routes, that are routes between all the combinations of two of a plurality of points; a search unit that, when the search request is received by the reception unit, searches the plurality of first routes based upon a search condition included in the search request; and a supply unit that transmits route information for the plurality of first routes searched by the search unit. Both a number of times the search request is received by the reception unit, and a number of times route information is transmitted by the supply unit, are smaller than a number of points in the plurality of points.

Abstract: A geographic information providing system in a personal webpage is disclosed. The geographic information providing system can include a GPS information storing unit, receiving GPS coordinate information related to a location of a user and additional information from a mobile communication terminal and storing the received GPS coordinate information and additional information; a map data loading unit, loading map data having a location corresponding to the GPS coordinate information if a request to access the stored GPS coordinate information and additional information is received; and a temporary layer generating controlling unit, generating a temporary layer to mark the location corresponding to the GPS coordinate information on a loaded map in a form capable of being identified by the user and providing control information for displaying the location corresponding to the GPS coordinate information.

Abstract: Techniques that optimize performance of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) processes for mobile devices, typically a mobile robot. In one embodiment, erroneous particles are introduced to the particle filtering process of localization. Monitoring the weights of the erroneous particles relative to the particles maintained for SLAM provides a verification that the robot is localized and detection that it is no longer localized. In another embodiment, cell-based grid mapping of a mobile robot's environment also monitors cells for changes in their probability of occupancy. Cells with a changing occupancy probability are marked as dynamic and updating of such cells to the map is suspended or modified until their individual occupancy probabilities have stabilized.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus has a road learning function. When a new road is learned and a new road link is connected to one of a map road link present in a ready-made map data and a previously-learned road link, the navigation apparatus designates the one of the map road link and the learned road link as a base link and generates a supplement link that extends along the base link from a base-link-side end point of the new road link to an end point of the base link. The navigation apparatus specifies an entrance link and an exit link connected to a process target point on the guidance route, and determines content of the route guidance by using the base link corresponding to the supplement link when the entrance link or the exit link is the supplement link.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

Abstract: The present invention provides the simple operation for displaying the information that is expected to be necessary for the user and the simplified procedure of the hands-free operation when displaying the map information on the screen. The display device 20 in which an arrangement state of the screen can be selected between a first state and a second state displays on the screen the detailed information of a destination or its surrounding area such as parking lot information, an access route guide to the transportation facilities, and information of the facility of the destination is displayed on the screen if a change of the arrangement of the screen is detected, if the destination has been set in advance, and if a distance between a current position and the destination is within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An illustrative method of data gathering includes determining that a vehicle traveling characteristic has changed beyond an expected parameter. The method further includes recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle and ceasing recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle when the vehicle traveling characteristic resumes the expected parameter. Finally, the method includes determining and storing a traffic control feature associated with at least one set of the GPS coordinates, if the recorded GPS coordinates of the vehicle correspond to previously recorded GPS coordinates.

Abstract: A system and method for updating a digital map for a driver assistance system in a vehicle. The digital map contains map data having coordinates and attributes for characterizing subregions of an overall region of the digital map. The system includes a base station and a plurality of vehicles, each equipped with a driver assistance system. The base station has at least one transmission unit for sending updated map data having updated attributes to the driver assistance systems. The driver assistance system has a memory unit for storing map data from at least a portion of the digital map, a receiver unit for receiving the updated map data sent by the base station and a control unit for updating the stored map data using the received updated map data.

Abstract: A highway speed information system for use with a vehicle includes an in-vehicle speed information device selectively installed in a vehicle. The information device includes a processor, memory, and an output device. A global position system (GPS) is in data communication with the processor and configured to determine a geographic location of the vehicle. The memory is configured to store programming and a speed zone database indicative of a plurality of speed zones defined by GPS coordinates. Programming determines a current geographic location of the vehicle and associated speed limit, a new current geographic location after a predetermined time, and a predicted future geographic location—each location being associated with a speed limit. The output device is alerted if the speed limit associated with the future location is different than the speed limit associated with the current location.

Abstract: A method and system for searching an information retrieval system for items of interest that are in proximity to geographical locations provided by the user. The information retrieval system can perform a search for specified types of businesses or items of interest that surround or are in close proximity to the user's present geographical location, or a geographical location that the user has pre-configured in a database. The system receives geographical location information concerning the user's position from the wireless network carrier, which tracks the location of the user's mobile communications device. When the user desires to store a geographical location and geographical name for a future search, the information is entered into the pre-configured database. When conducting an information search at a later time, the user can narrow a search request to a geographical area in the vicinity of the stored geographical location.

Abstract: Example techniques and systems include generating cluster information to consolidate multiple locations. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a computing device, a plurality of location identifiers corresponding to a plurality of locations at which a mobile computing device was previously located, defining, by the computing device, a plurality of geographic regions based at least in part on the plurality of location identifiers, wherein each of the plurality of geographic regions defines a physical area in which at least one of the plurality of locations is located, selecting, by the computing device, a subset of the plurality of geographic regions based on respective distances between a current location of the mobile computing device and a respective reference point within each of the geographic regions, and outputting, by the computing device and for display, an indication of the subset of the plurality of geographic regions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the detection, location stamping, and logging of electronic events and subsequent generation of habitat information. According to implementations, electronic events are detected and location stamped. Associated descriptions and other data corresponding to the electronic events is retrieved and stored along with the geographic locations of the electronic events in an activity log. The information in the activity log is used to generate visual representations of one or more geographic areas in which electronic events that meet user-defined or default criteria occurred within a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A map editing system for processing map data in order to reduce discrepancies between geometric objects in the map data through the use of a cost function. The system selects a polygon shaped object (e.g., a park) for processing. The polygon may be located close to several polyline objects (e.g., streets) or other polygon objects so that discrepancies, such as open spaces, appear between the objects when displayed together in a map. To eliminate these discrepancies while maintaining the overall appearance of the polygon, the system repeatedly adjusts the border of the polygon until the attributes of the polygon minimize a cost function.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and method for creation of a road map, the system comprising a plurality of navigation devices; and an application server to receive from the plurality of navigation devices time series of location points, and to create a road map based on the time series of location points. The method comprising receiving location points from plurality of navigation devices, along with respective time stamps indicating the time of recordation of each of the location points; identifying at least one route according to the location points and respective time stamps; and creating a road map based on the at least one route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensor data transmission in a mobile device includes receiving sensor data and generating a sensor data packet therefrom. The method and apparatus further includes receiving navigation data relating to the movements of the mobile device from a navigation device and receiving network data including transmission areas for one or more transmission mediums from a network availability database. The method and apparatus includes assigning a priority term to the sensor data packet, which may be based on predetermined priority levels. The method and apparatus thereupon includes determining a transmission technique for transmitting the sensor data packet to a back end processing device based on the priority term, the network data and the navigation data.

Abstract: Provided is a device, method and program enabling high-speed map matching while maintaining a precision of an analysis based on a map matching result even when event data is transmitted from numerous vehicles. A grid is obtained by the division of a region in which a road network exists into a latitude direction and a longitude direction by equal spaces based on data stored in the road data storage unit. A grid ID is unitarily assigned to each set of grids whose sets of arcs which are roads are common and arc passing the grid. An event grid matching unit correlates event data collected from a vehicle and a grid. When the number of pieces of event data correlated with the grid is large, a data selecting unit selects a part of the data. An event road matching unit correlates the selected event data and a road in the grid.

Abstract: A group two-way radio system, in a condition of failing to obtain a GPS standard map, is capable of utilizing a console to control a computer to convert any paper map or electronic map not in compliance with a GPS standard to be an electronic map drawing file in compliance with the GPS standard. The map drawing file is transmitted through a RF repeater over an existing RF channel to one or multiple two-way radios in the group so as to enable the two-way radio to perform a method of group positioning and displaying based on the map drawing file.

Abstract: A navigation device includes a processor, a memory accessible by the processor, and a device to determine at least one physical parameter applied to the navigation device and to output information indicative of the at least one parameter to the processor. In at least one embodiment, the processor is arranged to determine a road-surface feature based upon the received information and to store road-surface quality information in the memory indicating the location of the road-surface feature.

Abstract: A navigation method includes steps of calculating a first coordinate of a first position; taking the first coordinate to be a center of a predetermined range and calculating a first map data within the predetermined range according to a zoom scale of a map scale; downloading the first map data from a map server; storing the first map data; using the first map data to render a first graphic user interface map corresponding to the first coordinate; and displaying the first graphic user interface map.

Abstract: A navigation system determines its usage mode. In some embodiments, a method comprises determining a usage mode of a navigation system based on at least one of an acceleration indicator, a speed indicator, and a magnet sensor. The usage mode is at least one of a pedestrian mode, a vehicular mode, an aerial mode, a train mode, and a marine mode. The method further comprises configuring a navigation subsystem based on the usage mode.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided with a user-data storing unit 4 and a radio signal receiving unit 6-11. The user-data storing unit stores plural pieces of usage-environment information in combination respectively with plural pieces of place (location) information, wherein the usage-environment information represents an environment under which the electronic apparatus is used at a place (location) and the place information combined with the usage-environment information indicates the place (location) where the electronic apparatus is used. The radio signal receiving unit obtains present usage-environment information representing an environment, under which the apparatus is used at present.

Abstract: A method for determining a user bearing, implemented on a portable device programmed to perform the method includes determining with a physical sensor of the portable device, a first geometric orientation of the portable device with respect to gravity at a first time, determining with a magnetic sensor of the portable device, a first sensed magnetic field of the portable device in response to an external magnetic field at the first time, determining with the magnetic sensor of the portable device, a second sensed magnetic field of the portable device in response to the external magnetic field at the second time, and determining with the portable device a bearing of the portable device at the second time in response to the first geometric orientation, the first sensed magnetic field, and the second sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for presenting points of interest (POIs) via a graphical user interface (GUI) on an apparatus. Generally, data is received via a global positioning system (GPS) and map data is received via a communications network. Next, a reference location is determined, and based on the reference location a search area is determined. Next, POIs are found within said search area, wherein said reference location is comprised within said search area, and then said POIs are organized in a multilevel hierarchy tree. Finally, the found POIs are presented on the GUI.

Abstract: Map data define a road in units of links, and a multilink as links connected consecutively with an identical attribute while containing: a road management information list storing fixed-length road management information elements, each indicating the number of links in each multilink; a lower level link information list storing fixed-length link information elements, each indicating the number of coordinate points in each link, in an order in which corresponding road management information elements are arrayed in the road management information list; a higher level link information list storing fixed-length link information elements, each indicating a multilink as a higher level link; and a higher level link ID list storing fixed-length information elements, each indicating a storage array position in the higher level link information list with respect to a multilink, in an order in which corresponding lower link information elements are arrayed in the lower level link information list.

Abstract: Provided is a map matching device, method and program. The map matching device may comprise a road grid dividing unit and a grid road combining unit. The road grid dividing unit is for deriving a grid obtained by the division of a region where a road network exists in a latitude direction and a longitude direction by equal spaces and correlating the grid and an arc crossing the grid. The grid road combining unit is for assigning a common arc ID to a plurality of grids which are adjacent to each other and whose sets of arcs correlated are coincident and assigning an arc ID to a grid whose set of arcs correlated is different from a set of arcs of any of adjacent grids to generate information indicative of a relationship among a range of a grid, a grid ID and an arc passing the grid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating, deriving, and enhancing drivable road databases are provided. A baseline road in a road network is defined and position and/or trajectory data collected by vehicles traveling the baseline road are compiled and compared to a representation of the baseline road in an existing database. Identity and/or other property information about the road are assigned form the existing database to the new database.

Abstract: A method of creating a map for use in a two-way radio device, includes steps of: a. creating a map template by downloading from a personal computer (PC) or scanning a map sheet; b. receiving coordinates of at least two reference points through a Global Positioning System (GPS) by the PC; c. correspondingly marking and combining the at least two reference points on and with the map template through a map edit program so as to create at least a geographic drawing in electronic format, which is stored in a map database of the PC; d. providing a map data file for the two-way radio device for storing geographic drawings searched from the map database; and e. retrieving a desired geographic drawing from the geographic drawings by the two-way radio device, and displaying the desired geographic drawing on a screen of the two-way radio device to enable the GPS positioning.

Abstract: User equipment includes a storage unit for separately storing map data, POI (Point Of Interest) information, and location information of the POI information on the map data, a map output unit for displaying the POI information on a screen based on the location information of the POI information so that the POI information is overlapped with the map data in parallel to the lateral axis of the user equipment, and a rotation angle calculating unit for calculating a rotation angle for the rotation of the map data. The map output unit rotates the map data and the POI information, which are displayed on the screen in an overlapping state, according to the rotation angle so that the POI information is disposed in parallel to the lateral axis of the user equipment after rotation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a static and dynamic contours. A method includes rendering a contour map including static contours and dynamic contours, and displaying the contour map on a device to a user. A Global Positioning System (GPS) device includes a processor coupled with an input device, memory, and the display, and the processor linked to a GPS receiver coupled with a GPS antenna, the memory including a vector source database, a parameter source database and a contour map process to render a topographic map comprising static contour lines and dynamic contour lines.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product are provided for determining points of interest using intelligent agents and semantic data. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable for receiving a media data comprising a location data comprising where media was captured. The instructions are also operable for determining at least one point of interest based on the media data, tying the media data to the at least one point of interest, and providing the media data tied to the at least one point of interest to an end user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations.

Abstract: In map data, a road corresponds to a multilink defined as links connected consecutively with an identical attribute. The map data contains a road management information list, link information list, and coordinate information list of a real data list. In the road management information list, fixed-length road management information elements, each of which indicates the number of links in each multilink, are arrayed in an order. In the link information list, fixed-length link information elements, each of which indicates the number of coordinate points in each link, are arrayed in an order in which corresponding road management information elements are arrayed in the road management information list. In the coordinate information list, fixed-length coordinates information elements, each of which indicates coordinate points arranged in one link to illustrate a shape of the link, are arrayed in an order in which the coordinate points are arranged in the link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus efficiently assigns the spatial index numbers to map cells that divide an area which is a unit of administrative region into a plurality of small units. The method includes the steps of: establishing a plurality of map cells that divide an administrative region expressed by XML map data which is configured in a multiple-layered structure; determining a layer in the XML map data on which the map cells are established; selecting a type of tracing curve for sequentially indexing the plurality of map cells; assigning index numbers consecutively to the map cells with the sequence of the tracing curve; and repeating foregoing steps for all of the map cells in all of the layers of the XML map data, thereby creating a map database in the XML format with the spatial indexes for all of the map cells.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first memory device, a second memory device and a controller. The first memory device stores vehicular data in accident. The second memory device has control data area for storing control data in nonvolatile manner. The controller records the vehicular data stored in the first memory device into the control data area of the second memory device by overwriting the control data in response to vehicular accident. It is possible to increase a recordable amount of vehicular data in vehicular accident without increasing recording capacity exclusively preserved to vehicular data.

Abstract: In a position registering apparatus, an acquiring unit acquires traveling state information indicating a traveling state of a mobile object and a position identifying unit specifies the current position of the mobile object, based on the traveling state information and map information. After the current position of the mobile object is identified to be on a road within a predetermined range from a destination set by a destination setting unit and is then identified to be at a place other than the road, if the parking determining unit determines that the mobile object is parked, a registering unit registers, into a storage unit, a deviation point from the road as an entrance point of a parking lot of the destination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation system and to a method for controlling vehicle navigation. The vehicle navigation of the present invention comprises a storage that saves map data, a communication part that receives, from a vehicle black box installed in the vehicle, visual data captured by said block box, and a control part that acquires location data from the map data and saves the data after mapping the captured visual data with the location data. According to the present invention, as the control part maps the visual data obtained by the vehicle black box with the visual data and saves said data, the user can easily search the relevant visual data or visual frame using the location data, and use said data to determine the cause of an accident and the negligence or fault that led thereto in the event of a car accident.

Abstract: A navigation system for an electric vehicle may ascertain a selection of a charging station based on a user input, wherein a stored position of the charging station is an ultimate destination. The navigation system can ascertain a current position of the electric vehicle. In addition, the navigation system can ascertain a reachability of a target position that is separated from the current position and the stored position of the charging station. The ascertainment of reachability can be based on the current position of the electric vehicle, the stored position of the selected charging station, and the current state of charge of the energy storage device, so that the target position and subsequently the stored position of the selected charging station are reachable with the current state of charge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment, a method for managing presentation of a navigational chart on a touchscreen display device is presented. A user input is received on a surface of the touchscreen display device on which the navigational chart is presented. A number of portions of the navigational chart corresponding to the surface on which the user input was received are identified, using a processor unit connected to the touchscreen display device. A number of graphical indications are presented on the navigational chart in association with each of the number of portions identified by the processor unit.

Abstract: The present application relates to a device, such as a navigation device, for vehicular and non-vehicular use, e.g. by pedestrians. The device is arranged to receive a feed from a camera. The navigation device is further arranged to display a combination of a camera image from the feed from the camera and virtual signage on the display. The virtual signage relating to roads, buildings, points of interest and the like.

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 map-updating-data creating apparatus performs, for each old map file, creating a map-updating file for rewriting the map file to a new map file, determining the serial number of each of the updated map files, creating a serial number management file in which marks are respectively written at positions corresponding to the serial numbers, and generating, as map-updating data, the map-updating file and the serial number management file. A navigation apparatus performs map-updating processing and determines, by referring to the serial number management file, whether a map file has already been updated. The navigation apparatus uses the map-updating file to execute navigation control if the map file has already been updated, and updates the map file and subsequently executes the navigation control if the map file has not been updated.

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 map distribution system that implements navigation using desired map data in which the degree of reliability of information about an object, such as a road or a facility, is taken into consideration is provided. A map distribution server 1a creates distribution data including difference map data and a reliance status showing the degree of reliability of the difference map data as a reply to edit request information about an edit request made by a user, and a map information terminal 3 receives the distribution data via a communication network 2 and performs navigation according to the reliance status included in the distribution data.

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: A method for operating a navigational system, especially a navigational system for a motor vehicle, having a memory, a display unit and at least one operating element, map data being loaded from a map data memory into the memory; the map data being subdivided into first map data and second map data; the first map data including geometric data of edges of a map network stored as graphs, and the second map data including topological data and applications being carried out using the first and/or second map data loaded into the memory.

Abstract: A seeding control system and method to improve yield by minimizing overplanting and underplanting during planting operations. As the planter traverses the field, a precise seed placement map is created by associating the time of each seed pulse generated by the seed sensors with the location of a GPS unit. Based on the generated seed placement map, a stop-planting boundary is defined by previously planted seed or other field boundary such that when a swath of the planter crosses over the stop-planting boundary the swath controllers disengage the drivers of the corresponding seed meters to prevent planting of seeds. The swath controllers cause the drivers to reengage allowing planting to resume when the affected swaths pass out of the stop planting boundary.

Abstract: When setting a spot by designating a desired position on a map displayed on a display unit, a spot setting menu picture is displayed in the vicinity of the designated position, thereby improving the visibility of a positional relation to improve operability. A navigation device (1) is provided with an input unit (13) which designates a spot on the displayed map, a spot position detection unit (16) which identifies the spot designated by the input unit (13), a menu display position determination unit (17) which determines the display position of the menu picture (38) for selecting an item for setting the spot identified by the spot position detection unit (16), and a mark display unit (18) which displays a spot setting mark (36) which indicates a touch-operated position on a display screen.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a map data acquiring unit for acquiring map data defining two types of lanes, shifting between which is regulated, in a single link; a driving link deciding unit for identifying a link of a driving lane of a vehicle according to the map data acquired by the map data acquiring unit and according to position information about the vehicle; a freeway infrastructure acquiring unit for acquiring, from node information of the map data, freeway infrastructure data indicating a freeway infrastructure which is accessible by the vehicle from the driving lane including the link identified by the driving link deciding unit; a freeway infrastructure storage unit for storing the freeway infrastructure data acquired by the freeway infrastructure acquiring unit; and a freeway infrastructure display unit for displaying the freeway infrastructure data stored in the freeway infrastructure storage unit.

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.

Abstract: Minimum energy routes for a motor vehicle are determined. The minimum energy routes can be calculated using an energy map. Energy management information is determined and provided along the minimum energy route.