Employing Map Database System Patents (Class 701/532)
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Publication number: 20140163875Abstract: A system and method for generating a seamless road network of a large geographical area includes a plurality of GPS probe traces extending across a geographical area. The probe traces are divided into sub-sets base on criteria, such as accuracy. A plurality of threads simultaneously employ the sub-sets traces to generate an independent network of the entire geographical area. The networks generated using sub-sets having a high accuracy are preferred over networks generating using sub-sets having a lower accuracy. The independent networks are combined to form a seamless networks of road segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Heiko Mund, Hannes Scharmann
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Patent number: 8751144Abstract: An automatic navigation method and automatic navigation system are provided. The automatic navigation method includes the following steps. A guiding path is provided. A current facing direction which a user faces is obtained by an electronic compass. A turning direction is obtained according to the current facing direction and the guiding path. The turning direction is notified by an electric shock signal. A nearest trace point of the guiding path is obtained by sensing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The turning direction is updated according to the nearest trace point and the current facing direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Szu-Han Tzao, Jong-Jeng Hong, Shang-Yuan Cheng
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Patent number: 8750892Abstract: A system for naming a location includes a mobile communication device equipped with a position locator system that is configured to identify a location of the device, a first data store for storing general information that is managed by or for an entity other than the user and that is related to the location, a second data store for storing user-specific information that is managed by or for the user, and a name generation module. According to aspects of one embodiment, the name generation module is configured to receive the location of the mobile communication device, to retrieve from the first data store general information relating to the location, and to generate a name for the location based on an atemporal correlation between the general information and the user-specific information.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Scenera Mobile Technologies, LLCInventors: Munindar P. Singh, Mona Singh
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Patent number: 8751150Abstract: An update device for generating and updating a digital map in a vehicle is specified which resorts to position data from adjacent vehicles. The position data can be processed further within the update device in order to allow accurate and prompt updating of a subregion of the map without this requiring communication with the map manufacturer or service provider.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHGInventor: Ulrich Stählin
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Patent number: 8751609Abstract: A destination planning method suitable for use on a vehicle comprises the following steps: a, destination editing and file transmission; b, using electronic apparatus or navigation device to receive the file; and c, using the destination file. The destination file can be automatically sent to the navigation device after it is edited by a sender, which improves the ease of use and solves the inconvenience caused manual operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: E-Lead Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventor: Stephen Chen
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Patent number: 8742950Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes recognizing the initiation of a vehicle journey. The method further includes periodically storing vehicle speed data, GPS coordinate data and time data. This method also includes providing at least one option for reporting the stored speed data, GPS data and time data. The method additionally includes outputting the stored speed data, GPS data and time data for at least one portion of the vehicle journey, responsive to input requesting the reporting.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Schunder, Thomas J. Giuli, Joseph N. Ross, Joseph Paul Rork, Thomas Richard Alexander, Joseph Phillips
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Patent number: 8744750Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, and means for updating radio models. For certain example implementations, a method for one or more server devices may comprise receiving at one or more communication interfaces at least one measurement that corresponds to a position of a first mobile device within an indoor environment. At least one radio model that is stored in one or more memories may be updated based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement to produce at least one updated radio model. The at least one radio model and the at least one updated radio model may correspond to the indoor environment. The at least one updated radio model may be transmitted to enable a second mobile device to use the at least one updated radio model for positioning within the indoor environment. Other example implementations are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Rajarshi Gupta, Ayman Fawzy Naguib, Alok Aggarwal, Saumitra Mohan Das, Vinay Sridhara
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Patent number: 8744644Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the location of a vehicle using results sensed by sensing devices installed outside the vehicle and the internal information of the vehicle without obtaining the current location information of the vehicle using signals transmitted from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, the apparatus for detecting the location of a vehicle includes a location information reception unit for receiving location information that is generated by sensing a vehicle passing by a sensing point and that corresponds to the sensing point. A location detection unit estimates a current location of the vehicle based on information sensed by internal sensors of the vehicle and control information for a vehicle manipulation part while the location information is not received, and corrects the estimated current location of the vehicle using received location information when the location information is received.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Kyung-Bok Sung, Kyoung-Hwan An, Kyoung-Wook Min, Jeong-Dan Choi, Dong-Yong Kwak
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Patent number: 8744749Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, and means for updating radio models. For certain example implementations, a method for one or more server devices may comprise receiving at one or more communication interfaces at least one measurement that corresponds to a position of a first mobile device within an indoor environment. At least one radio model that is stored in one or more memories may be updated based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement to produce at least one updated radio model. The at least one radio model and the at least one updated radio model may correspond to the indoor environment. The at least one updated radio model may be transmitted to enable a second mobile device to use the at least one updated radio model for positioning within the indoor environment. Other example implementations are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Rajarshi Gupta, Ayman Fawzy Naguib, Alok Aggarwal, Saumitra Mohan Das, Vinay Sridhara
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Patent number: 8738638Abstract: A system and method determines analyzes usage of an online mapping system by users, determines popularity of geographic regions and stores the processed data which is optionally in a visual data layer over the map.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Eugene Koshelev, Jaroslav Bengl
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Patent number: 8738559Abstract: Graph partitioning techniques are based on the notion of natural cuts. A filtering phase performs a series of minimum cut computations to identify and contract dense regions of the graph. This reduces the graph size significantly, but preserves its general structure. An assembly phase uses a combination of greedy and local search heuristics to assemble the final partition. The techniques may be used on road networks, which have an abundance of natural cuts (such as bridges, mountain passes, and ferries).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel Delling, Andrew V. Goldberg, Ilya Razenshteyn, Renato F. Werneck
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Publication number: 20140142848Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing at least one information feed are disclosed. For example, the method receives at least one content via at least one automated feed. The method associates the at least one content to one or more geographical locations on a map, wherein the one or more geographical locations are determined from the at least one content. The method then presents an access to the at least one content to a user via the map.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Yih-Farn Chen, Giuseppe Di Fabbrizio, David Gibbon, Rittwik Jana, Serban Jora, Bernard S. Renger, Bin Wei
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Patent number: 8731832Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
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Patent number: 8731815Abstract: Holistic cybernetic vehicle control enables the results of machine sensing and decision making to be communicated to a vehicle operator through the various senses of the operator. By providing machine advice to the operator through various vehicle functions and by integrating the machine advice with what the operator senses and perceives, holistic cybernetic control can result in much better and safer vehicle operation. The invention integrates human and machine vehicle control action to improve vehicle operation and, particularly, to avoid collision events.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Charles Arnold Cummings
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Patent number: 8731811Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for completing and displaying a taxi clearance for an aircraft at an airport. One exemplary method involves receiving an input taxi clearance including a first taxi path of a plurality of taxi paths at the airport and a second taxi path of the plurality of taxi paths that succeeds the first taxi path in the input taxi clearance, and determining a plurality of possible taxi routes between the first taxi path and the second taxi path. The method continues by identifying an optimal taxi route from among the plurality of possible taxi routes, and graphically indicating that the taxi clearance for the aircraft includes the optimal taxi route between the first taxi path and the second taxi path.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Jan Bilek, Ondrej Pokorny, Tomas Marczi
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Patent number: 8725409Abstract: A vehicle navigation system and navigation method thereof are disclosed. The vehicle navigation system comprises a location detector to acquire a current location of a vehicle, a calculation unit to calculate a navigation route from a departure location to a destination, a database including map data and a plurality of restrictions associated with restricted sites on the map data, the calculation unit calculates a navigation route from the departure location to the destination based on the map data and the plurality of restrictions. Thus, the vehicle navigation system may provide the navigation route excluding sites with possible restriction applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) LimitedInventor: Chia-Yang Chen
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Patent number: 8723686Abstract: A method of managing an aircraft in flight may include electronically monitoring for a presence of a threat object along a flight path of the aircraft and at a destination airport of the aircraft, and electronically generating an alert when the presence of the threat object is detected. The alert may include information enabling air traffic control (ATC), flight dispatch, and a pilot of the aircraft to make a collaborative flight path correction decision that may prevent the aircraft from being affected by the threat object.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Gregory D. Murray, Kirschen A. Seah, Alan E. Siniff
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Patent number: 8725404Abstract: This invention relates to a method for updating digital maps and for matching global navigation devices to a digital map. Such navigation devices rely upon GPS signals (20, 24) from satellites (22, 26). One well-documented cause of position error in navigation devices arises from the phenomenon of GPS multi-path. It has been observed that GPS multi-path errors in the latitude/longitude direction are highly correlated with errors in altitude. By comparing altitude value of GPS probe data with reference specifications for altitude, unreliable probe data (outliers) can be easily identified and culled. Such techniques can be used as well by a mobile navigation device to confirm a match to a particular road segment and if not revert to other positioning techniques such as inertial guidance systems and the like. If the local altitude is not reliably known, an estimation can be derived directly from the collected probe data.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: TomTom Polska Sp. z o.o.Inventors: Marcin Michal Kmiecik, Wojciech Tomasz Nowak
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Patent number: 8725361Abstract: A guidance method and system automatically steers a guided vehicle which moves along a planned path between adjacent crop rows. The vehicle has a frame and steerable wheels. The method includes generating a left crop position signal with a left crop sensor on a left side of the vehicle, generating a right crop position signal with a right crop sensor on a right side of the vehicle, and generating a vehicle position signal with a vehicle position sensor unit. The method also includes generating a difference position signal by subtracting one of the left and right crop position signals from the other of the left and right crop position signals, and converting the difference position signal into a time-varying lateral offset signal. The method also includes offsetting the planned path by the time-varying lateral offset signal, and guiding the vehicle as a function of the offset planned path.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Carroll C. Kellum
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Patent number: 8718927Abstract: Repairing GPS data is disclosed. Repairing GPS data includes repairing an effort, comprising determining that the effort includes inaccurate GPS data; and adjusting the effort using a repaired base map. Repairing GPs data includes repairing a segment, comprising determining an inaccurate shape data in the segment; and adjusting shape data for the segment based on a repaired base.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Strava, Inc.Inventors: Davis Kitchel, Brian Riordan
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Patent number: 8712691Abstract: A method and system for implementing the fusion of road geometry model information in different forms from different sources in a manner that is comprehensive, efficient, and effective. Such fused road geometry model information for a particular vehicle (i.e., an ego vehicle) provides for improved performance of active safety functionality. Examples of active safety functionalities include, but are not limited to, curve speed warning, selection of target objects that are potential threats to the ego vehicle by helping the ego vehicle's path prediction, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Peter Gyumyeong Joh
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Patent number: 8712621Abstract: A vehicle having a power supply apparatus which is configured to supply an electric power to an external apparatus outside the vehicle, includes: a detecting unit which is configured to detect a state where a cable is pinched between an opening and closing member of the vehicle and an opening edge of an opening for the opening and closing member, the cable connecting the power supply apparatus to the external apparatus and being arranged in an interior of the vehicle; and an inhibiting unit which, when the detecting unit detects that the cable is pinched between the opening and closing member and the opening edge, is configured to inhibit running of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jun Saito, Hiroyasu Suzuki
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Patent number: 8712689Abstract: A digitized image of a map is stored in a data memory. At least one point of the image of the map is selected as reference point. Space coordinates of the location which corresponds to the reference point are determined and allocated to the reference point. A supplementary calibration information item which enables the image of the map to be calibrated in space coordinates is determined. A mobile radio telephone has a navigation device which is set up for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbHInventors: Ian Courtney, Josef Ploetz, Dan Dinescu
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Patent number: 8706408Abstract: When a destination is set, a CPU transmits to an information distribution center average vehicle speed information and so on together with a request command requesting for statistical traffic information. On the other hand, a CPU selects statistical traffic information per vehicle speed region of a predetermined vehicle speed region for each secondary mesh to thereby search for a basic route to the destination. Subsequently, the CPU identifies a vehicle speed region for each road type from the average vehicle speed information and a vehicle speed region determination table, selects for each mesh ID of all the secondary meshes through which the basic route passes the statistical traffic information per vehicle speed region corresponding to the vehicle speed region identified for each road type from the statistical traffic information per vehicle speed region classified by road types, and distributes it to a navigation device.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Nagase
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Patent number: 8694224Abstract: A control system or method for a vehicle references a camera and sensors to determine when an offset of a yaw rate sensor may be updated. The sensors may include a longitudinal accelerometer, a transmission sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be stationary by referencing at least a derivative of an acceleration from the longitudinal accelerometer. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be moving straight by referencing at least image data captured by the camera. Lane delimiters may be detected in the captured image data and evaluated to determine a level of confidence in the straight movement. When the offset of the yaw rate sensor is to be updated, a ratio of new offset to old offset may be used.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Nathaniel Johnson, Marc Wimmershoff
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Patent number: 8688369Abstract: Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, a blind intersection along a section of road. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where a blind intersection is located along a section of road. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the blind intersection located along the section of road. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a blind intersection.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Navteq B.V.Inventor: Robert Denaro
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Patent number: 8688377Abstract: A system and method provides turn-by-turn directions by identifying placemarks, such as businesses or other landmarks that appear along a traveled route. The system may determine whether signage is associated with each placemark along the route and whether the signage is visible from the route. The system may also determine how prominent the signage is from the route. The system selects the placemark by determining how easily the placemark may be identified from the route, based on the signage's visibility and prominence. The selected placemark may then be identified in connection with the turn-by-turn directions.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Shlomo Urbach, Lior Ron, Felix Geller
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Publication number: 20140088869Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for presenting route traversal information includes displaying a route map comprising a route path representing a route previously traversed by an athlete, receiving a plurality of parameter data points based on the athlete's previous traversal of the route, generating a visual cue based on at least one of the plurality of parameter data points, and displaying the visual cue on the route path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: adidas AGInventors: Andrew J. GRAHAM, Alan R. LEE, Jon H. WERNER
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Patent number: 8676507Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a map database storing map data. The map data has links representing road segments, road number icons, and additional road information icons. At least one of the links is associated with at least one of the road number icons and at least one of the additional road information icons. The vehicle navigation system may furthermore include a processing unit coupled to the map database and configured to control outputting of route guidance information via an output device. The outputting of route guidance information may include displaying a road number icon and an additional road information icon together with a link if the link is associated with the road number icon and the additional road information icon.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Carsten-Christian Spindler, Juergen Welscher, Martin Fischer, Simon Schuetz, Vladimir Ivanov
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Patent number: 8666158Abstract: A system may determine a number of floors of a building based on image data of the building. The system may determine a background color of a façade of the building shown in the image data. Using this background color, predefined deviations may then be detected that form the background color in the façade of the building. A mean number of predefined deviations in the vertical direction of the façade of the building may be determined, and the number of floors of the building based on the determined mean number of predefined deviations can be then be deduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems, GmbHInventor: Marek Strassenburg-Kleciak
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Patent number: 8666195Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for graphical overlay object translation. One of the methods includes receiving a first plurality of first feature points, each first feature point being associated with a plurality of feature descriptors and a respective location on the first digital image. The method includes receiving a second plurality of second feature points, each second feature point being associated with a plurality of feature descriptors and a respective location on the second digital image. The method includes determining the translation offset for the second digital image from the first digital image by matching locations of the first feature points with locations of the second feature points without regard to the feature descriptors.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Keir B. Mierle
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Patent number: 8660787Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs store a plurality of combinations of departure points and destination points that have been set in the past, store pre-update map information, and store post-update map information. The systems, methods, and programs compare, for each of the combinations of departure points and destination points, a route retrieved using the pre-update map information and a route retrieved using the post-update map information, and transmit the comparison results to the navigation apparatus so that a user of the navigation apparatus can appreciate the benefits of updating map information.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiaki Minami
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Patent number: 8660793Abstract: A method for reverse geocoding location information obtained by a wireless communications device comprises determining the location information for a location, communicating the location information to a reverse geocoding server that reverse-geocodes the location information to generate location description data for a bounding region that geographically surrounds the location, receiving the location description data from the reverse geocoding server for the bounding region containing the location, and caching the location description data for the bounding region in a memory cache on the device. When the current location remains within one or more bounding regions cached on the device, location description data is fetched from the cache, thus improving application responsiveness. Only when the current location is no longer within the bounding region(s) does the device communicate a new request to the reverse geocoding server.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Ngoc Bich Ngo, Russell Norman Owen
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Patent number: 8660794Abstract: A system and method splices into, or replaces routes identified based on road geometry with routes taken by the same user or other users to create alternate routes that may be selected by a user to display, for example, on a map or for which driving directions can be displayed. Communication of routes traveled by different devices may be received from a server or from another device. A naming convention for road segments and ordered paths of road segments is described.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Dash Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Robert Currie, Assimakis Tzamaloukas
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Patent number: 8660788Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: configuring a preference; selecting an introduction point based on the preference; composing an introduction message about the introduction point; and displaying a non-intrusive notification for the introduction message on a device.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Telenav, Inc.Inventor: Qian Chen
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Patent number: 8655590Abstract: A method, database, memory computer readable medium and navigation device are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes projecting a plurality of known address points onto an address segment vector of a source map database, to create projection points; interpolating locations for addresses of the address points, to create corresponding interpolation points; and segmenting the address segment vector into a plurality of address sub-segment vectors, upon a distance between a projection point and a corresponding interpolation point exceeding a threshold distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: TomTom North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Geilich, Duane Snell
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Publication number: 20140046593Abstract: The class of k Nearest Neighbor (k NN) queries in spatial networks has been studied in the literature. Existing approaches for k NN search in spatial networks assume that the weight of each edge in the spatial network is constant. However, real-world edge-weights are time-dependent and vary significantly in short durations, hence invalidating the existing solutions. The problem of k NN search in time-dependent spatial networks, where the weight of each edge is a function of time, is addressed herein. Two indexing schemes (Tight Network Index and Loose Network Index) are proposed to minimize the number of candidate nearest neighbor objects and reduce the invocation of the expensive fastest-path computation in time-dependent spatial networks. We demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed solution via experimental evaluations with real-world data-sets, including a variety of large spatial networks with real traffic-data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAInventors: Ugur Demiryurek, Cyrus Shahabi, Farnoush Banaei-Kashani
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Patent number: 8645055Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing at least one information feed are disclosed. For example, the method receives at least one content via at least one automated feed. The method associates the at least one content to one or more geographical locations on a map, wherein the one or more geographical locations are determined from the at least one content. The method then presents an access to the at least one content to a user via the map.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Yih-Farn Chen, Giuseppe Di Fabrizio, David Gibbon, Rittwik Jana, Serban Jora, Bernard S. Renger, Bin Wei
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Patent number: 8643670Abstract: The present invention provides a system for sharing mapped information between multiple maps, including maps in different media states, in an accurate fashion. The system comprises a transparent overlay for transferring the mapped information, an alignment device for consistently aligning the displayed maps relative to the transparent overlay, and a fastening mechanism for securing the transparent overlay to a mapboard. The system may also include a mapboard, an electronic mapboard, and a computer. The system enables a user to accurately share information added to a map, possibly a digital or paper map, by recording the information onto the transparent overlay. The transparent overlay may then be transferred to a different map, possibly displayed in a different media, where the transparent overlay accurately reflects the recorded information.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: Harry D. Tunnell, IV
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Patent number: 8645016Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving at least one machine along a desired path.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: I-Guide Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Larry G. Durkos, Michael J. Blackburn, Kyle B. Ruddock, Richard S. Koressel, Thomas A. McCalley
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Patent number: 8645065Abstract: A navigation device and a traffic line display method which make a user reliably recognize the relationships between traffic lines and roads when the traffic lines are displayed so as to correspond to the roads which are positioned near one another in a concentrated manner or connected to one another are provided. When the roads currently displayed include roads which belong to a certain road type and which are positioned near one another within a predetermined distance or connected to one another and when at least one of the roads has heavy traffic, the vicinity/connection roads positioned near one another within a predetermined distance or connected to one another and the corresponding traffic lines are clearly distinguished from one another by displaying the roads and the corresponding traffic lines so as to be visually separate from one another. Accordingly, the relationships between the traffic lines and roads are reliably recognized.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Alpine Technologies Inc.Inventor: Shinobu Doi
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Publication number: 20140025297Abstract: For a more efficient utilization of data that are relevant to safety and/or mobility, data are read from a plurality of data sources. The data of each data source sets of coordinates of real locations relevant for a respective aspect can be determined. Based on a respective set of coordinates for each of the real locations a respective area is then defined for each of the data sources, and a value assigned to the area is determined. Overlapping areas defined for a respective data source are aggregated so as to obtain non-overlapping areas with at least one assigned value for each of the data sources. The non-overlapping areas are superposed with the assigned values. The result is a value distribution, which reflects an overall situation with regard to the at least two aspects in a real region. An apparatus, a system, a program and a storage medium are configured accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Frank Josefiak, Filip Petkov
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Patent number: 8635023Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to localizing mobile devices. In one example, a first location method associated with a first accuracy value may be used to estimate a location of the mobile device. A confidence circle indicative of a level of confidence in the estimation of the location is calculated. The confidence circle may be displayed on a mobile device. When other location methods become available, the size of the displayed confidence circle may be expanded based on information from an accelerometer of the client device or the accuracy of the other available location methods. This may be especially useful when the mobile device is transitioning between areas which are associated with different location methods that may be more or less accurate.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Sorelle Alaina Friedler, Mohammed Waleed Kadous, Andrew Lookingbill
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Patent number: 8635020Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically entering favorite locations into a navigation system is provided. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving information regarding a location from an object within a vehicle using a navigation system. An identifier to the information and the information and identifier are stored in the navigation system. The user may retrieve the information from the navigation system using the identifier. The information from the objects may be received in various wireless formats, including RFID, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lisa Seacat DeLuca, Clive Hannah
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Patent number: 8626442Abstract: A map information processing apparatus includes a map information storage unit (15) for storing map information, a map update information storage unit (8) for storing one or more pieces of map update information (30 to 32) used for updating yet-to-be-updated map information, a map update information selection unit (19) for selecting one or more pieces of map update information required to update the map information stored in the map information storage unit (15) from the one or more pieces of map update information stored in the map update information storage unit, and a map information updating unit (20) for updating the map information stored in the map information storage unit (15) by applying the one or more pieces of map update information selected by the map update information selection unit to the map information one by one in order of updating.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoya Ikeuchi, Masaharu Umezu, Makoto Mikuriya, Mitsuo Shimotani
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Patent number: 8626444Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate safety-oriented navigation through a local environment that presents emergency dynamics. The architecture can facilitate monitoring of deployed sensors constituting a sensor network, even for cases in which sensor locations are not known in advance such as for rapid or random deployment.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Mo Li, Yunhao Liu, Jiliang Wang, Xi Zhou, Jinsong Han
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Patent number: 8626443Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a map relating to location-related data on the likelihood of the future movement of a person in a spatial environment, such as a building, forest, tunnel system or public place, and in particular a shopping center, airport or train station. In the method according to the invention, at least one person is supplied with one or more sensors (e.g. inertial sensors, rotation rate sensors, optical sensors) for odometrical measurement (odometry) (e.g. attached to a shoe), wherein the odometry has errors due to inherent measurement inaccuracies of the sensor(s) (e.g. angle deviations, length deviations). The at least one person moves by foot through the spatial environment. Information regarding the pedestrian step lengths and/or pedestrian step direction and/or orientation of the sensor or the person (called odometry information Zu) is determined from the measurement signals of the sensor(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft—und Raumfahrt e.V.Inventors: Patrick Robertson, Michael Angermann, Bernhard Krach
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Patent number: 8626445Abstract: End lines are ingeniously displayed so as to enhance the function of reaching a target without impairing safety. Visibility is improved and the driver is assisted to select a route, so that reaching a target is ensured. At the same time, the driver's burden is reduced and thereby safety is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Toshio Tsuyuki
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Patent number: 8620570Abstract: A mapping application that returns results for a target location as a function of at least one nearby landmark. The one or more nearby landmarks can be selected based on an expected user familiarity with the landmark, a precision of the landmark and/or a spatial relationship of the landmark with respect to the target location. Although landmarks are an integral aspect of navigation, they have rarely been used within electronic navigation devices. Electronic navigation means for a mobile device or other devices can guide the user along a route using photographs of landmarks together with audio and text instructions that reference these landmarks. This can assist older users who often find their mobility hampered by declines in sensory, cognitive and motor abilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Patrick M. Baudisch, John C. Krumm
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Patent number: 8620585Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for presenting athletic performance information includes a server configured to store information related to a previous traversal of a route by a user, and a mobile device in communication with the server, the mobile device configured to receive the information related to the previous traversal of the route by the user from the server, and present athletic performance information based at least in part on the information related to the previous traversal of the route to the user during a subsequent traversal of the route.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: adidas AGInventors: Andrew J. Graham, Alan R. Lee, Jon H. Werner