Abstract: An approach for recommending one or more content items for consumption during travel based on one or more travel times associated with one or more travel routes is described. A content item recommendation platform determines one or more travel routes associated with at least one device, at least one user of the at least one device, or a combination thereof. The content item recommendation platform further causes, at least in part, a recommendation of one or more content items based, at least in part, on one or more travel times associated with the one or more travel routes.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining a request by a user to initiate route calculation to at least one destination. The approach involves determining one or more items of interest associated with the user. The approach also involves determining availability information of the one or more items of interest at the at least one destination. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a presentation of at least one message regarding the availability information.

Abstract: An information providing system includes an obtaining portion that obtains image information captured by a moving object traveling on a road, and an information providing portion that provides the obtained image information, and additional information related to the image information.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: aggregating context information for capturing a current context of a user; and modifying a navigation avatar based on the context information for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method that includes reserving a first parking location for parking of a first vehicle, determining that the first vehicle is parked in a second parking location that is different from the first parking location reserved for parking of the first vehicle, determining, using a computer, whether the second parking location is available for parking of the first vehicle, and in response to at least determining that the second parking location is not available for parking of the first vehicle, providing for display of a prompt requesting that the first vehicle be moved to a parking location that is available for parking of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: setting a delivery range for establishing a boundary; detecting a current location relative to the delivery range to a destination with the current location for locating a device; generating a travel route from the current location to the destination; selecting a delivery mode based on whether the current location is within the delivery range; and generating a local notification based on activating the delivery mode for displaying on the device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable device, a supporting base associable with a vehicle and connecting means to lock, or release, the device in the base. The apparatus further includes detecting means for detecting at least an operating parameter of the vehicle, interface means for setting an operating state of the device and control means, connected to the detecting means and to the interface means to command the connecting means, as a function of the operating parameter and/or of the operating state.

Abstract: A method for monitoring, managing, and facilitating location- and/or other criteria-dependent targeted communications and/or transactions includes: receiving signals and/or information that include or provide, or facilitate or initiate a process of providing access to, location information and one or more criteria, requirements, preferences, and/or other inputs pertaining to, or initiating or facilitating, one or more desired or requested communications and/or transactions, the information including, or being associated or established in association with, one or more identifiers at least one of which is mobile, floating, or transportable in relation to one or more of a machine, an apparatus, a device, an object, and a sentient entity with which the identifier is associated; and processing the signals and/or information to identify in association with at least one of the one or more identifiers one or more transactions, advertisements, messages, and/or communications that satisfy one or more criteria, requirem

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: A driving support system is provided for guiding a vehicle safely to the desired destination. To this end, use is made of a database of the past traffic accidents owned by an insurance company or public institution. Based on the comparison between the GPS data about the current position of the vehicle and the site data of the past accidents recorded in the database, the driver can be notified, by a warning beep or warning message on the monitor of the navigation system, that his or her vehicle is approaching the site of the past accident on the route. In this manner, though a past accident is now invisible, the driver can be careful in passing by the site where the accident occurred.

Abstract: A device that can operate according to a menu. A first aspect describes an array of preview frames were each preview frame can represent a program such as a video program or an intranet site. A selection window within the array allows selecting different preview frames. Another aspect describes use of this sliding array system within a GPS device.

Abstract: A vehicular navigation apparatus configured to independently operate a dedicated application and an externally-introduced general-purpose application is provided. The navigation apparatus includes a control device and a management device. The management device notifies the control device of attribute information of the general-purpose application in operation. Based on the attribute information, the control device determines whether the general-purpose application operating under a specified condition is allowed to use user interface output under the specified condition. When no user interface output is allowed as a result of the determination, the control device switches over the user interface output to user interface output using another certified general-purpose application.

Abstract: Methods, systems, user interfaces, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, for presenting query results. A method includes: receiving a query; responsive to the query, providing a map including a viewport showing a first location and results that are associated with the query; receiving an indication that a user is interacting with the map, including panning, scrolling, repositioning, or zooming, to enable a second, different location to be visible in the viewport; determining that the user has arrived at the second, different location, the second, different location being visible in the viewport as a result of the panning, scrolling, repositioning, or zooming; automatically, without requiring the user to resubmit the query, re-running the query for the second, different location; and presenting query results along with the viewport showing the second, different location.

Abstract: A method of assisting a user of a personal navigation device with automatically selecting a route after the personal navigation device transitions from driving mode to walking mode includes detecting a mode transition in the personal navigation device from driving mode to walking mode, recording a vehicle location where the mode transition from driving mode to walking mode occurs, receiving a request from the user to create navigation instructions to a destination location, determining a distance from the current location to the destination location, and guiding the user back to the vehicle location by providing walking instructions with the personal navigation device when the distance from the current location to the destination location is greater than or equal to a threshold distance and then guiding the user to the destination location by providing driving instructions with the personal navigation device.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus for guiding to a predetermined orientation includes a detection section configured to detect a contact of an object via a contact surface; a measurement section configured to measure an orientation of the guidance apparatus; a calculation section configured to calculate a direction of the predetermined orientation relative to the orientation measured by the measurement section; and a vibration section configured to generate vibration if the contact of the object is detected by the detection section either within an area including the direction, or within another area other than the area including the direction, among a plurality of areas partitioning the contact surface.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing an electronic appointment scheduler for a vehicle. Appointments are acquired that have associated time data and geographical positions; the residual amount of energy available for driving the vehicle is acquired and data relating to a geographical road network, including the geographical positions of energy-supply devices suitable for said vehicle, are acquired. Taking into account the time data and geographical positions associated with the appointments, the available residual energy amount, and the energy consumption of the vehicle on a potential travel route, a route plan and an energy fill-up plan are produced, with supplemental periods of time being calculated that are associated with the appointments and derived on the basis of the route plan and energy fill-up plan. An appointment schedule is then produced and issued which comprises these appointments as well as the supplemental time periods that are associated with these appointments.

Abstract: A computing apparatus includes at least one interface that receives a request for at least one route to an end destination. The interface provides image icons for transportation modes for use for the route, wherein each of the image icons corresponds to a different transportation mode. The interface receives an activation of at least two of the image icons, wherein the activation represents that the corresponding transportation modes have been selected. A processor is coupled to the user interface and receives a notification of the selection of the transportation modes and obtains a plan that includes the route, wherein the route includes a combination of the selected transportation modes. The processor transmits an image representative of the plan to the interface to enable a user to use the plan to travel to the end destination via the combination of the selected transportation modes.

Abstract: Vehicular travel may be facilitated by user interfaces presenting travel information. Such user interfaces often involve visual displays positioned peripherally to a window through which an individual operates the vehicle (e.g., displays mounted in a dash or console) and/or non-visual interfaces (e.g., audio, speech recognition, and manual controls). While presenting visuals on the window obscuring the view of the individual may present safety concerns, peripherally presented visual interfaces that distract the gaze of the individual may raise comparable or greater concerns. Instead, visual user interfaces may be displayed on the window through which the individual operates the vehicle (e.g., a windshield or individual eyewear) to presents visuals representing travel information received from a travel service, such as routing, traffic congestion, highlighting vehicles or routes, and rendering non-visible objects (e.g., obscured traffic control signals).

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel prediction engine that (1) can formulate predictions about current or future destinations and/or routes to such destinations for a user, and (2) can relay information to the user about these predictions. In some embodiments, this engine includes a machine-learning engine that facilitates the formulation of predicted future destinations and/or future routes to destinations based on stored, user-specific data. The user-specific data is different in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the stored, user-specific data includes data about any combination of the following: (1) previous destinations traveled to by the user, (2) previous routes taken by the user, (3) locations of calendared events in the user's calendar, (4) locations of events for which the user has electronic tickets, and (5) addresses parsed from recent e-mails and/or messages sent to the user.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards resolving an uncertain transportation context by suggesting one or more potential diversions. An automated routing system may generate routing information that includes map data as well as a location of a diversion having an expected cost in compliance with the uncertain transportation context. Such a diversion may be a waypoint that satisfies one or more user needs given an unknown/uncertain destination.

Abstract: A vehicle interface system and method is provided. The system and method includes an interface for communicating with a vehicle user. A controller is in communication with the interface and configured to retrieve a calendar event and verify the calendar event based on an input from the user via the interface. Trip information is generated based on the calendar event and vehicle data. Trip information, based on the calendar event and vehicle data, is communicated to the user via the interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic navigation system, configured for providing a haptic instruction to a user, and to a method for providing a haptic instruction to a user. The haptic navigation system comprises a navigation module comprising a route calculation unit, configured for calculating at least one route for the user to go to a predetermined destination, and a user interaction unit, configured for capturing at least one input parameter from the user, and a feedback unit configured for receiving an instruction sent from the navigation module and for converting the instruction received into a haptic instruction such that the user find the correct route. In this way, a haptic navigation system is provided which is reliable, cost-effective to realize and can easily be integrated into existing navigation systems while at the same time making it possible to get rid of displays or voice recognition in navigation applications.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for receiving one or more inputs to represent a current location and a destination for determining one or more navigation routes to the destination. The method may determine a number of driving maneuvers associated with the one or more navigation routes to get to the destination. The method may also determine a workload value for the driving maneuver corresponding to the one or more navigation routes and select the navigation route based on the workload value. The method allows a predetermined amount of time after the determination to output the selected route based on the workload value to an output device. The method may develop an advertisement strategy for presenting ads to a vehicle occupant based on the route, workload value, and/or driving maneuvers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method search a route using a portable terminal. A controller establishes a call connection with another party and exchanges positional information with the other party. An analyzing unit analyzes the route information using a first positional information of the portable terminal and a second positional information of the other party. A displaying unit outputs the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit. The controller provides the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a single selection for a desired item; generating a destination for the desired item with a prioritization and a learned knowledge of a user's behavior for improving an accuracy of the destination that is generated; and calculating a route to the destination based solely on the single selection for reducing danger from distraction by entering multiple entries and for displaying the route on a device and the single selection is an only entry before displaying the route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for assisting in the navigation of a person, both inside and outside a building. The device, being fitted to the person, comprises at least: a computer (41) comprising in memory a digitized map of the place (1) in which the path of the person is planned between a departure point and an arrival point, and a location software; a human-machine interface linked to the computer; a set of sensors (42) worn by the person and linked to the computer, the sensors delivering information about the movements of the person; the location software performing a processing of the signals originating from the sensors (42) and from the interface, and performing the fusion of the data provided by the digitized map and the information arising from the sensors and from the interface, and then calculating on the basis of these data the absolute location of the person on the map and correcting the position estimation errors.

Abstract: User input including a start location and an end location of a desired ride may be received. A database may be searched for completed routes matching the user input. The completed routes may include location information and travel time information associated with the completed routes. Upon identifying one or more matched completed routes, a route proposal for the desired ride may be generated based on the one or more matched completed routes.

Abstract: An information processing device capable of processing navigation information is provided. A touch panel can display images and can receive a user's touch operation. An image generation section generates a navigation image including a map image and a plurality of operation button images for receiving the touch operation, the images being displayed on the touch panel. A plurality of operation button images include a first operation button image related to a navigation function and a second operation button image related to a plurality of functions other than the navigation function. The image generation section generates a first image which is obtained by combining the navigation image and the first operation button image and a second image which includes the second operation button. The first image and the second image are respectively displayed in a first display region and a second display region. The first display region and the second display region are separated by a movable boundary.

Abstract: Heads-up display arrangements for vehicles including a seat in which an occupant sits, a system for forming an image of text and/or graphics in a field of view of the occupant, a determination arrangement for determining a position of the occupant (or a part thereof) and an adjustment system for adjusting the seat based on the occupant's determined position to thereby change the orientation of the occupant relative to the image. Change of the orientation of the occupant relative to the image may entail adjusting the seat and/or adjusting the image forming system, which is often a heads-up display system. Adjustment of the seat may involve moving the seat forward or backward and/or up or down, or any other direction or way possible given the construction of the seat.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch-screen display. The apparatus includes first logic for generating a virtual assistant for presentation to a user via the touch-screen display. The virtual assistant has one or more anthropomorphic characteristics and interacts with the user via at least the touch-screen display to facilitate user access to one or more vehicle features. The apparatus includes second logic for automatically receiving data from a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in a personal item of the user to identify the user, automatically accessing a profile associated with the RFID tag, and automatically initiating implementation of one or more of preferences of the user indicated by a profile associated with the RFID tag. The apparatus includes a vehicle interface for coupling the apparatus to any one of multiple vehicles and communicating data between the first or second logic and the vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system, components and methodologies enables a process for including a specific route segment on a calculated route from a starting location to a destination. Accordingly, the navigation system, its components and the associated navigation route planning methodologies enable planning based on at least a user's personal preference for the inclusion of at least one specific route segment in a planned navigation route.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, multiple navigation changes to a navigation system may be managed. The navigation system may receive and first set of navigation changes. Then, the navigation system may establish communication with a user device. The navigation system may then receive a second set of navigation changes associated with the user device. As a result, the navigation system may merge the first set of navigation changes with the second set of navigation changes.

Abstract: A mobile device including a touchscreen display can detect multiple points of fingertip contact being made against the touchscreen concurrently. The device can distinguish this multi-touch gesture from other gestures based on the duration, immobility, and concurrency of the contacts. In response to detecting such a multi-touch gesture, the device can send a multi-touch event to an application executing on the device. The application can respond to the multi-touch event in a variety of ways. For example, the application can determine a distance of a path in between points on a map that a user has concurrently touched with his fingertips. The application can display this distance to the user.

Abstract: The invention describes a method, a tour planner, and a computer program product for planning a tour for a group including one or more travelers. In various embodiments of the invention, the tour planner enables a traveler to select a travel route and simultaneously share the selected travel route with at least one other traveler. Thereafter, based on the feedback of the other traveler, the selected travel route is either changed or finalized by the group. Further, the method facilitates the group of travelers on the day of the travel by providing each one of them with one or more alerts relating the finalized travel route.

Abstract: A storing unit stores traveling history information items on a vehicle, the traveling history information items being respectively associated with trips each being a segment from a start of a driving operation to an end of the driving operation. A determination unit determines whether to assign one of the traveling history information items, which is stored in the storing unit and associated with one trip, to a predetermined period, the one trip being partially included in the predetermined period. A driving operation diagnostic unit diagnoses a driving operation of a driver in the predetermined period according to the traveling history information item determined by the determination unit to be assigned to the predetermined period.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a driving directions subsystem configured to provide data representative of driving directions to an access device communicatively coupled to the driving directions subsystem. The driving directions subsystem is further configured to provide at least one selection tool to the access device. The selection tool enables a user of the access device to select a subset of the driving directions for printing. In certain embodiments, the driving directions include a plurality of driving steps, and the selection tool enables the user of the access device to select, for each driving step, between including the driving step in and omitting the driving step from the printing.

Abstract: Data identifying a path between two or more geographic locations is received. Path information is identified along or near the path. A relevance is associated to the path information. A subset of the path information having a highest relevance is provided.

Abstract: An electronic navigational route developer may accept user input regarding the user's boat, such as height, draft and beam, and develop a route from a start point to end point based on cartographic information and the boat information.

Abstract: In connection with a navigation system, a method of providing routing information to a user includes receiving user location information associated with a residence of the user, determining a socioeconomic routing preference based on a socioeconomic status associated with the user location information, and calculating a route between a start location and an end location based on the socioeconomic routing preference. Route guidance is then provided to the user based on the calculated route.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided which collects annotation information from users of a mapping site, associates the annotation with particular segments of a travel route, scores the annotations and constantly adjusts the scores of the annotations in determining preferred travel routes. When a user requests a route, the relationship between requestor and annotation provider is considered, and the requestor is provided with the highest-ranked annotations in accordance with the requestor's personal preferences for driving directions. The user can request updates to the annotations if their scoring changes after the route is provided. Current weather conditions and continuous weather condition updates are also provided at predetermined intervals for selected routes of travel.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided which collects annotation information from users of a mapping site, associates the annotation with particular segments of a travel route, scores the annotations and constantly adjusts the scores of the annotations in determining preferred travel routes. When a user requests a route, the relationship between requestor and annotation provider is considered, and the requestor is provided with the highest-ranked annotations in accordance with the requestor's personal preferences for driving directions. The user can request updates to the annotations if their scoring changes after the route is provided. Current weather conditions and continuous weather condition updates are also provided at predetermined intervals for selected routes of travel.

Abstract: A user interface for use in a vehicle navigation and traffic information device. Various adaptable menu commands and intuitive UI elements are provided to ease user navigation of the interface and to minimize driver distraction while providing information in an optimized manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic navigation system, configured for providing a haptic instruction to a user, and to a method for providing a haptic instruction to a user. The haptic navigation system comprises a navigation module comprising a route calculation unit, configured for calculating at least one route for the user to go to a predetermined destination, and a user interaction unit, configured for capturing at least one input parameter from the user, and a feedback unit configured for receiving an instruction sent from the navigation module and for converting the instruction received into a haptic instruction such that the user find the correct route. In this way, a haptic navigation system is provided which is reliable, cost-effective to realize and can easily be integrated into existing navigation systems while at the same time making it possible to get rid of displays or voice recognition in navigation applications.

Abstract: A user records a navigation instruction for a manoeuvre at a junction via their navigation device. The user indicates a distance before the junction at which the manoeuvre should be provided. The user does this by providing an input to the navigation device when a current position is at the relevant distance while driving around. The device then determines the manoeuvre in a digital map to be associated with the instruction by determining the next manoeuvre in a calculated route the user is following. The navigation device uploads the navigation instruction and the associated manoeuvre and distance to a central navigation instruction database. Other users may then download and use the navigation instruction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method search a route using a portable terminal. A controller establishes a call connection with another party and exchanges positional information with the other party. An analyzing unit analyzes the route information using a first positional information of the portable terminal and a second positional information of the other party. A displaying unit outputs the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit. The controller provides the route information analyzed by the analyzing unit.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for navigating on images are disclosed. For example, one method includes identifying a point selected on an initial image. An image component, such as a pixel, of the initial image corresponding to the identified point is determined. The image component of the initial image represents an origin. A route from the origin to a destination is generated, and the destination corresponds to another image component, such as another pixel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for providing a theme zone in association with a route, the system including: a theme zone database maintaining a theme zone area for each category in association with navigation information, and point of interest (POI) information included in the theme zone area; a theme zone retrieval unit retrieving a theme zone associated with a driving route from the theme zone database by analyzing the driving route of a vehicle; a navigation information generation unit generating the navigation information by including a theme zone area of the retrieved theme zone in the driving route; and a route guidance unit directing a route based on the generated navigation information.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation system having a guidance-controller, the guidance-controller controlling the sequence of guidances, and priority, according to an execution condition set depending on the type of a relevant guidance, while determining whether or not a guidance is executed according to the execution condition to thereby alter the teaching of guidance-execution. If overlapping by plural guidances using speech, and screen display occurs, the simple display of the guidance lower in priority is executed, and if the guidance falls outside an effective range, the guidance is interrupted, or the guidance during standby-display is not executed. Thereby, plural guidances are concurrently displayed, and a meaningless guidance is not displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining the necessary departure time to allow for an on-time or desired arrival time at a particular location over a particular route based on the evaluation of historic, present, and predicted road conditions.