Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of a construction zone sign are described. A computing device, configured to control the vehicle, may be configured to receive, from an image-capture device coupled to the computing device, images of a vicinity of the road on which the vehicle is travelling. Also, the computing device may be configured to determine image portions in the images that may depict sides of the road at a predetermined height range. Further, the computing device may be configured to detect a construction zone sign in the image portions, and determine a type of the construction zone sign. Accordingly, the computing device may be configured to modify a control strategy associated with a driving behavior of the vehicle; and control the vehicle based on the modified control strategy.

Abstract: GPS navigation devices or GPS receivers can consume less power by using a temperature recorder circuit and/or a power manager in maintaining the accuracies of the GPS receiver time and reference frequency to improve battery life. A representative receiver includes a time reference device and the temperature recorder circuit that operate while the receiver hibernates. The time reference device generates clock signals and the temperature recorder circuit receives and operates using the clock signals from the time reference device. The temperature recorder senses the temperature of the time reference device. The temperature recorder circuit is designed to send a wake-up signal to at least one electrical component of the receiver to wake up the electrical component of the receiver. The electrical component of the receiver includes at least one of the following: a GPS signal processing system and a frequency reference device.

Abstract: A compass system includes a processing circuit configured to use the deviations for each of the plurality of headings to calculate a plurality of compass deviation coefficients representative of different types of noise sources. At least one compass deviation coefficient is determined based on a database of geographic zone error factors stored in the memory device and based on a position of the compass. The processing circuit is configured to update the database of geographic zone error factors using an internet connection. The processing circuit is configured to store the deviation coefficients in memory and to at least one of calibrate the compass and adjust an output from the compass using the compass deviation coefficients.

Abstract: In a method for refining a position estimate of a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite a first position estimate of a LEO satellite is generated with a GNSS receiver on-board the LEO satellite. Corrections are received at the LEO satellite. The corrections are processed on-board the LEO satellite such that a corrected LEO satellite position estimate of the LEO satellite is generated for the first position estimate.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece can determine the reception state in detail, and can display the reception state with high precision. A GPS wristwatch 1 has a reception unit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioning information satellite; a reception level calculating unit 47 that calculates a reception level from the signal strength of the satellite signal; and a reception level display unit 48 that displays the reception level calculated by the reception level calculating unit 47. The reception level calculating unit 47 selects a specific number of satellite signals received from the positioning information satellites in order of greatest signal strength, and calculates the reception level from the signal strengths of the selected satellite signals.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a positioning unit that determines a position of the information processing apparatus based on an external signal; a sensor unit that detects a change in position of the information processing apparatus; and a processing unit that measures, according to a change in position detected at the sensor unit, an amount of displacement of the information processing apparatus from a first time when the positioning unit starts to determine the position of the information processing apparatus to a second time when the positioning unit completes determining the position of the information processing apparatus; and identifies a position of the information processing apparatus at the first time by compensating the position of the information processing apparatus determined by the positioning unit at the second time with the amount of displacement of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) under conditions in which the telematics unit of a vehicle cannot receive GNSS signals. In particular, the invention contemplates determining that a vehicle is entering a parking garage and obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) of the vehicle in the parking garage when GNSS signals are unavailable.

Abstract: This aircraft navigation assistance system comprises an inertial navigation module adapted for providing first positional information from accelerometric and gyrometric measurements, and a module adapted for determining second positional information from satellite positioning data. The system is characterized in that it comprises means for estimating a first localization of the aircraft at a time of estimation on the basis of first positional information determined from accelerometric and gyrometric measurements at said time of estimation and second positional information determined from positioning data received prior to said time of estimation, said first localization being determined independently from any positioning data received in a time interval preceding said time of estimation, advantageously equal to a time to alert.

Abstract: In a position calculating device, a first operational process of calculating at least a position of a moving object using the measurement result of an inertial positioning unit disposed in the moving object is performed by a first operation processing unit. A second operational process of calculating the position of the moving object using the result of the first operational process and the measurement result of a satellite positioning unit disposed in the moving object is performed by a second operation processing unit. An operational coefficient of the first operational process is adjusted using the result of the first operational process and the result of the second operational process by an operational coefficient adjusting unit.

Abstract: A method of calculating an accuracy of measuring a location, and a method and apparatus to measure a location of a terminal using the accuracy of measuring the location, are provided. The method of calculating the accuracy of measuring the location of the terminal includes providing a map corresponding to a location measurement type that is used in the terminal. The method further includes reading, from the map, map information of a predetermined area including the location of the terminal. The method further includes calculating the accuracy of measuring the location with the location measurement type based on the map information.

Abstract: In a method for warning a driver of a vehicle, the position of the vehicle on the roadway is determined. For the determined position of the vehicle, data relating to a curved roadway course in the area ahead of the vehicle are obtained and data relating to a self-motion of the vehicle are obtained using a driving dynamics sensor. The curved roadway in the area ahead of the vehicle is divided into at least two zones of criticality as a function of the data relating to the curved roadway course and the data relating to the self-motion, wherein each zone of criticality is assigned an assessment which assesses the driving behavior of the vehicle within the respective zone of criticality, and the assessments are outputted to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a place affinity for a user is disclosed. The system comprises a gathering module, a communication module and a scoring module. The gathering module receives a place and retrieves rich place data associated with the place. The communication module retrieves user profile data associated with a user and a place affinity model associated with the user. The scoring module estimates an affinity score for the place using the place affinity model based at least in part on the rich place data and the user profile data.

Abstract: A lane tracking apparatus and method using camera direction control is provided. The lane tracking apparatus using camera direction control includes a lane recognition unit for obtaining lane information from an image captured and acquired by a camera. A road curvature calculation unit calculates a curvature of a road using the lane information. A camera direction angle control unit controls a direction angle of the camera in consideration of the road curvature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a satellite positioning system (SPS) signal is described. In one example, a timing reference related to a SPS time of day is obtained from a wireless communication signal received by a mobile receiver. A bias in a local clock of the mobile receiver with respect to a frame timing of a repeating code broadcast by the satellite is compensated for in response to the timing reference. An expected code delay window is obtained for the SPS signal at the mobile receiver. The SPS signal is correlated with a reference code within the expected code delay window. In another example, an expected code delay window is obtained at the mobile receiver. The mobile receiver selects a sampling resolution in response to a size of the expected code delay window. The SPS signal is sampled at the selected sampling resolution and then correlated with a reference code.

Abstract: A mobile computing device can be used to locate a vehicle parking location in weak location signal scenarios (e.g., weak, unreliable, or unavailable GPS or other location technology). In particular, the mobile device can determine when a vehicle in which the mobile device is located has entered into a parked state. GPS or other primary location technology may be unavailable at the time the mobile device entered into a parked state (e.g., inside a parking structure). The location of the mobile device at a time corresponding to when the vehicle is identified as being parked can be determined using the first location technology as supplemented with sensor data of the mobile device. After the location of the mobile device at a time corresponding to when the vehicle is identified as being parked is determined, the determined location can be associated with an identifier for the current parking location.

Abstract: A method of determining a position of a moving vehicle. A global position is detected by a global positioning device of at least one parked vehicle in a vicinity of the moving vehicle. The global position is determined as a function of signals broadcast by a plurality of satellites. Errors associated with the broadcast signals are determined. A correction error that provides a solution for eliminating the errors associated with the broadcast signals is determined. The correction error is transmitted to the moving vehicle. The correction error is applied to a received global positioning signal received by the moving vehicle. A global position of the moving vehicle is determined as a function of the correction error. The determined global position of the moving vehicle is applied in a vehicle application.

Abstract: A client device is operated to obtain a navigation track between a first location and a second location by establishing a communication connection with a server device and receiving a message that contains information associated with the first location and/or the second location from the server device. The information is associated with a navigation module on the client device. The information associated with the first location and/or the second location is processed using the navigation module to obtain the navigation track between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located on the vehicle, in the roadway or in the vicinity of the vehicle or roadway and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle by a wireless radio frequency mechanism. Power to operate a particular sensor is supplied by the interrogator or the sensor is independently connected to either a battery, generator, vehicle power source or some source of power external to the vehicle. The sensors can provide information about the vehicle and its interior or exterior environment, about individual components, systems, vehicle occupants, subsystems, or about the roadway, ambient atmosphere, travel conditions and external objects. The sensors arranged on the roadway or ancillary structures would include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, moisture content or humidity sensors, and friction sensors.

Abstract: A visual, GNSS and INS (gyro) system for autosteering control uses crop row and furrow row edge visual detection in an agricultural application in order to closely track the actual crop rows. Alternatively, previous vehicle tracks can be visually detected and followed in a tramline following operating mode. GNSS and inertial (gyroscopic) input subsystems are also provided for supplementing the video input subsystem, for example when visual references are lost. Crop damage is avoided or at least minimized by avoiding overdriving the existing crops. Other applications include equipment control in logistics operations.

Abstract: A navigation system can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a navigational signal receiver configured to receive a radio signal from at least one external system, a motion sensing device, and a navigation program executable by the microprocessor. The navigational signal receiver can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor via a communication port. The navigation program can be configured to receive messages from the navigational signal receiver by communicating to the driver of the communication port. The communication port driver can adjust the current position based on the data returned by the motion sensing device.

Abstract: A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.

Abstract: An unmanned autonomous traveling service apparatus and method based on driving information database that allows an unmanned autonomous traveling vehicle to be autonomously operated stably without performing a large scale computing process in real time by allowing the unmanned autonomous traveling vehicle to be autonomously operated based on driving information generated in a database and allowing the unmanned autonomous traveling vehicle to be autonomously operated based on an installed sensor at the time of a traffic lane change or an unexpected situation. In particular, the driving information is collected from drivers throughout the world to create the database for the driving information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a positioning unit that determines a position of the information processing apparatus based on an external signal; a sensor unit that detects a change in position of the information processing apparatus; and a processing unit that measures, according to a change in position detected at the sensor unit, an amount of displacement of the information processing apparatus from a first time when the positioning unit starts to determine the position of the information processing apparatus to a second time when the positioning unit completes determining the position of the information processing apparatus; and identifies a position of the information processing apparatus at the first time by compensating the position of the information processing apparatus determined by the positioning unit at the second time with the amount of displacement of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An article is worn by a user. A plurality of indicating devices are coupled to the article. A processing unit is communicatively coupled to the plurality of indicating devices. The processing unit selectively actuates at least one indicating device of the plurality of indicating devices based on positional data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking, scheduling, and reminding about maintenance status are provided. The apparatus connects to a vehicle and retrieves state information from the vehicle. The apparatus analyzes at least the state information to determine a maintenance status of the system, and creates an alert based on at least the maintenance status of the vehicle. The alert is provided to a user, and the user can instruct the apparatus to respond to the maintenance status through selection of options provided by the alert. Through the options, the apparatus may provide the user with options for maintenance service, schedule the service, and remind the user of the scheduled service.

Abstract: An image detection program creating system comprise a parameter setting module, an image loading module, a programming module, and a program conversion module. The parameter setting module sets parameters of a Dimensional Measuring Interface Specification (DMIS). The image loading module loads a 3D image. The programming module programs the DMIS program according to the parameters of the DMIS and the 3D image. The program conversion module converts the compiled DMIS into an image detection program.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a host based positioning system. The host based positioning system includes a tracker hardware interface that connects to a dedicated hardware space vehicle tracker. The tracker hardware interface receives positioning information from the space vehicle tracker. The host based positioning system also includes a memory that includes a GPS library having a user interface, a tracker interface, and an operating system interface. A processor runs functions provided by the interfaces.

Abstract: A method of enhancing on-board state estimation for a spacecraft utilizes a network of assets to include planetary-based assets and space-based assets. Communication signals transmitted from each of the assets into space are defined by a common protocol. Data is embedded in each communication signal transmitted by the assets. The data includes a time-of-transmission for a corresponding one of the communication signals and a position of a corresponding one of the assets at the time-of-transmission. A spacecraft is equipped to receive the communication signals, has a clock synchronized to the space-wide time reference frame, and has a processor programmed to generate state estimates of the spacecraft. Using its processor, the spacecraft determines a one-dimensional range from itself to at least one of the assets and then updates its state estimates using each one-dimensional range.

Abstract: A system for maneuvering an aircraft for operations in connection with a sea-going vessel, the vessel having a designated area for landings and sling-load operations. Each of the aircraft has a navigation unit (INU) comprising a GPS receiver and an inertial navigation unit. The INU's are updated by data from the GPS receivers and the data from the shipboard unit's GPS receiver and INU are transmitted to the aircraft. The aircraft performs RTK calculations to determine a vector to the shipboard GPS antennas and modifies the vector with data from the INU's.

Abstract: Device for determining location information, primary references consolidated for an aircraft, comprising a chain for determining location information comprising means for measuring radionavigation data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device also comprises a chain for determining inertial primary references comprising means for measuring inertial data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device finally comprises a chain for determining anemo-barometric data comprising means for measuring anemo-barometric data, suitable means for consolidating the measured anemo-barometric data, suitable means for computing parameters, and suitable means for consolidating the reference parameters.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle is described, together with a corresponding device, a corresponding vehicle, and a corresponding computer program. The driver assistance system is configured to autonomously safely park the vehicle when activated. While the vehicle is traveling, an activation intent for the driver assistance system is detected, whereupon the driver assistance system is activated and the vehicle is autonomously safely parked with the aid of the activated driver assistance system.

Abstract: A display system in a hydraulic shovel has a calculation unit and a display unit. The calculation unit is configured to calculate a distance between a design surface and a position closest to the design surface among positions of a blade edge of a bucket in a widthwise direction of the blade edge based on positional information for the blade edge and the design surface. The display unit is configured and arranged to display a guidance picture. The guidance picture includes an image showing the positional relationship between the design surface and the blade edge of the bucket, and information indicating the distance between the design surface and the position closest to the design surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing movement. A navigation system comprises a first inertial measurement unit enabled global positioning system device having a first inertial measurement unit with a first level of accuracy in a first vehicle and is configured to provide first information that identifies a position of the first vehicle relative to a second vehicle. The navigation system further comprises a second inertial measurement unit enabled global positioning system device in the first vehicle having a second inertial measurement unit with a second level of accuracy that is greater than the first level of accuracy and is configured to provide second information that identifies the position of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle. The navigation system further comprises a controller that is configured to perform an action based on a desired level of accuracy of the first information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining characteristics of a roadway mark at a remote location. The system includes a vehicle having at least one imager for producing image data containing at least one actual roadway mark evident on a roadway surface. A GPS antenna is mounted on the vehicle. A GPS receiver is responsive to the GPS antenna for determining a GPS location of the GPS antenna. An apparatus responsive to the imager and the GPS receiver determines a GPS location of the roadway mark and filters and compresses the image data, the filtered and compressed image data containing the image data of the roadway mark. An apparatus communicates the filtered and compressed image data to the remote location for analyzing the roadway mark characteristics from the image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distribution and delivery of global positioning system (GPS) satellite telemetry data using a communication link between a central site and a mobile GPS receiver. The central site is coupled to a network of reference satellite receivers that send telemetry data from all satellites to the central site. The mobile GPS receiver uses the delivered telemetry data to aid its acquisition of the GPS satellite signal. The availability of the satellite telemetry data enhances the mobile receiver's signal reception sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operator and motor vehicle behavior, including at least one mobile device; application software resident on the mobile device, wherein the application software is operative to gather and record information relevant to both the behavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of an operator of the motor vehicle, and wherein the application software is activated or deactivated based on certain predetermined trigger events; and at least one information processor in communication with and/or resident on the mobile device, wherein the information processor is operative to process and characterize the information gathered by the application software and communicate the processed and characterized information to a user of the system.

Abstract: A navigation module and method for providing an INS/GNSS navigation solution for a device that can either be tethered or move freely within a moving platform is provided, comprising a receiver for receiving absolute navigational information from an external source (e.g., such as a satellite), an assembly of self-contained sensors capable of obtaining readings (e.g. such as relative or non-reference based navigational information) about the device, and further comprising at least one processor, coupled to receive the output information from the receiver and sensor assembly, and operative to integrate the output information to produce an enhanced navigation solution. The at least one processor may operate to provide a navigation solution by benefiting from nonlinear models and filters that do not suffer from approximation or linearization and which enhance the navigation solution of the device.

Abstract: A position output device for outputting position data indicating a current position of an object, is based on position data of a determined current position of the object as determined by a satellite navigation system. When a position jump has occurred in the position data from the satellite navigation system, an appropriate current position is outputted. An estimated current position is generated based on the output position outputted at the latest update time. It is determined whether or not a position jump has occurred, based on the distance between the estimated position and the satellite navigation system-based determined position, which is being updated by the satellite navigation system. When it is determined that a position jump has occurred, a position adjustment vector is generated by calculation, which is then used to generate an adjusted position.

Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit having a bucket, a designed landform data storage part storing designed landform data, a bucket position data generation part that generates bucket position data, a designed surface data generation part, and an excavation limit control part. The designed surface data generation part generates superior and subordinate designed surface data based on the designed landform and bucket position data. The superior designed surface data indicates a superior designed surface corresponding to a prescribed position on the bucket. The subordinate designed surface data indicates a plurality of subordinate designed surfaces linked to the superior designed surface. The designed surface data generation part generates shape data based on the superior and subordinate designed surface data. The shape data indicates shapes of the superior designed surface and the plurality of subordinate designed surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for seabed exploration using an unmanned remotely operated vehicle. The apparatus for seabed exploration of the present invention includes: an unmanned remotely operated vehicle connected with a ship 2 by a cable 1; a transponder of an acoustic positioning system mounted on the unmanned remotely operated vehicle; a pinger mounted on the unmanned remotely operated vehicle and outputting a signal that is received by a receiver of an echo sounder system mounted on the ship; a measuring device mounted on the unmanned remotely operated vehicle and sensing or measuring various information on the seabed where the unmanned remotely operated vehicle is positioned; and a sediment collecting device collecting sediments of the seafloor, when the unmanned remotely operated vehicle grounds on the seafloor.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a receiving unit configured to receive GPS information from a GPS satellite, an acquisition unit configured to acquire sensing information from at least one of a speed sensor and a steering sensor of a vehicle connected through an external interface, a determination unit configured to determine whether the vehicle is positioned within at least one of a shadow area and a multi-path area using at least one of the GPS information and the sensing information, and a calculation unit configured to correct a current position coordinate value of the vehicle calculated from the GPS information using the sense information when the vehicle is determined to be positioned within the at least one area.

Abstract: As system for locating a network node may be implemented as a static network device for determining location of a mobile node. The system includes a transceiver for receiving a device identifier over a public network from the mobile node, the device identifier based on a user-configurable parameter and a non-user-configurable parameter of the mobile node, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and to memory containing executable code. When executed, the code effects method steps for: accessing, in response to the transceiver receiving the device identifier, a database of authorized device identifiers corresponding to known mobile nodes, establishing, in response to the device identifier matching one of the authorized device identifiers, a secure private network with the mobile node, and communicating with two additional static network devices, the three static network devices implementing triangulation to determine a location of the mobile node.

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

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

Abstract: A method of generating a suggested navigation route with a portable electronic device includes presenting a map to a user on a touch-sensitive screen of the portable electronic device, and receiving touch input from a user stroking the touch-sensitive screen from a touch-down location corresponding to a starting point on the map to a release location corresponding to an ending point on the map for indicating a location of a preferred route, the preferred route beginning with the starting point and finishing with the ending point. The method further includes generating the suggested navigation route by selecting streets for the suggested navigation route according to the preferred route in order to closely approximate the preferred route, presenting the suggested navigation route to the user on the touch-sensitive screen, and providing navigation assistance to the user for guiding the user along the suggested navigation route.

Abstract: It is disclosed to estimate a state vector of an object, wherein the state vector comprises a state variable related to a position or an orientation of the object, based on at least one of a probability density function of the state vector truncated under consideration of a constraint for the state variable, wherein the constraint is derived from a map, and properties of the truncated probability density function.

Abstract: A drive assist system includes: wireless communication devices on first and second vehicles. The wireless communication device on the first vehicle includes: a distance calculation device for calculating a satellite positioning distance between the first and second vehicles; and a difference calculation device for calculating a distance difference between the satellite positioning distance and a distance to the second vehicle obtained by a ranging sensor in the first vehicle.

Abstract: Communications are established and conducted between a communication and jamming detection at a vehicle and a base station. At the communication and jamming detection device, a determination is made as to when jamming of the communications between the communication and jamming detection device and the base station is occurring. When jamming is determined to be occurring, at least one location determination signal is transmitted from the communication and jamming detection device to at least one external tracking device. At the at least one external location determination device, the at least one location determination signal is received from the communication and jamming detection device. The location of the communication and jamming detection device at the vehicle is determined from the at least one location determination signal.

Abstract: A moving body position detection system including an unit acquiring dead reckoning navigation information including a moving body direction; a unit identifying a moving body position based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit predicting a predicted arrived position of the moving body after a predetermined interval from the position of the moving body based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit calculating a difference direction angle between a direction from the position of the moving body to the predicted position and the direction of the moving body; a unit correcting the difference direction angle if it is equal to or larger than a threshold; and a unit updating the moving body position based on the difference direction angle.

Abstract: An automated portable call collection unit (APCCU) may gather information used in testing the accuracy of a wireless mobile device locating system. A GPS ground truth detector may detect the location of the APCCU based on GPS signals. A cellular GPS detector may detect GPS signals identified by a signal-identification communication from the locating system. An internal clock may keep time and synchronize its time to GPS time as announced periodically by GPS time signals. A controller may repeatedly cause a cellular network communication system to wirelessly request and receive the signal-identification communication and to send the information about the detected GPS signals, the locations, and the times. All of this may be done in a manner that insures that the accuracy of the locating system is not tested before the internal clock is first synchronized to GPS time following application of operating power to the APCCU.