Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation apparatus is provided. A visual or audible navigation instruction, warning or alert is provided to a user via the apparatus. The navigation instruction, warning or alert is enhanced in a continuous or stepped manner as a given location to which the instruction, warning or alert relates is approached. The instruction may be an instruction regarding a manoeuvre to be performed at a junction in order to follow a calculated route. The instruction is visually enhanced by increasing its size as the current location of the apparatus becomes closer to the junction to more readily engage the attention of the user, and to facilitate interpretation of the instruction. Alternatively a warning regarding a safety camera may be increased in size as the camera is approached.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool dynamically adjusts presentation of graphics and/or text for directions depending on current location, so as to emphasize upcoming instructions. For example, based on current location, the tool identifies an upcoming list item in a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool renders a view of at least part of the list of directions, rendering a given list item differently depending on whether it is the upcoming list item, a future list item, or a previous list item. Upon successful completion of navigation for the upcoming list item, the tool outputs an indication of positive feedback, changes the upcoming list item to be the next list item, and renders a new view in which the next list item is emphasized.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that are configured to enable a user the ability to create, log, experience and share experiences, sites, editorial commentary, photographs, and videos along either newly created or already defines tours, routes, or hikes, which may be called “urban hiking trails” (i.e. walking tours within cities). Users can choose among different hikes with established sites to see, stops to make, and merchants to visit, along with historical or editorial content to provide information to the user along the route. Merchant partners are given the ability to provide focused targeted advertising to the users that have begun or are about to physically experience such walking tours.

Abstract: A geomagnetic application device including a triaxial magnetic sensor, a measurement point acquiring mechanism, a calibration mechanism calibrating offset of the magnetic sensor, and an azimuth calculator. The calibration mechanism includes an offset calculation measurement point selector selecting at least six measurement points of the geomagnetic vectors from among a data set stored in the measurement point storage unit by the measurement point acquiring mechanism and storing the selected measurement points in an offset calculation measurement point storage unit. The offset calculation measurement point selector selects the measurement points from among the data set stored in the measurement point storage unit to include at least six points, component values of which are maximum or minimum in each of three orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A routing system can be configured to determine a route based on availability and reliability of location reference devices to determine a most reliable route between a source and a destination. Visibility information that is indicative of availability of at least a threshold number of location reference devices along the route can be determined. For each of a plurality of routes between the source and the destination, a reliability rating associated with the route can be determined based on the visibility information associated with the route. The reliability rating can be indicative of an ability of the routing system to maintain continuous connectivity to the at least the threshold number of location reference devices along the route. The reliability ratings of the plurality of routes are compared to identify and to present one of the plurality of routes with a highest reliability rating.

Abstract: A vehicle multimedia system includes a display that displays a hierarchically structured menu. The hierarchically structured menu may have a main menu, a plurality of submenus, and menu items. The multimedia system provides a memory for storing information identifying a menu or menu item, and a memory control unit for writing information related to a menu item upon a user's selection of the menu by an operating element or by automatic return to a main menu, and displaying the information as selectable menu items identified by the information.

Abstract: A point-based method, system and processor-readable medium for reducing traffic congestion. A license plate number associated with a vehicle can be captured utilizing an image capturing unit and/or a GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled mobile communication device to store/deduct points with respect to a user account on a point storage server. The points can be stored in a user account based on a dynamic policy if a user selects a sub-optimal path (e.g., general-purpose lane or a far-away parking spot) and the level of urgency related to travel is low to reduce congestion. The points can be deducted later if the user decides to take an optimal path (e.g., HOT lane or a near-center parking spot). The points on each path can be dynamically set based on time of day to maintain traffic flow at an optimal level.

Abstract: A device has a touch screen display configured to display a map application, which is configured to separately display a list of bookmarked locations, a list of recent queries, and a list of contacts. In response to detecting a finger gesture on an input icon associated with a search term input area, the map application displays at least one of the list of bookmarked locations, the list of recent queries, and the list of contacts. In response to detecting a finger gesture on a bookmarked location, an area corresponding to the bookmarked location is displayed on a digital map. In response to detecting a finger gesture on a recent query, one or more results corresponding to the recent query are displayed on a digital map. In response to detecting a finger gesture on a contact, an area associated with the contact is displayed on a digital map.

Abstract: An embodiment of a communication system includes a client device adapted to receive a location object that includes tracer information, and to perform one or more location object-based actions using the location object. The client device stores the tracer information and location object usage information, which describes the one or more location object-based actions that have been performed using the location object. The client device also sends the stored information to a server. The system also includes the server, which is adapted to receive the location object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device. In an embodiment, the system also includes a service provider adapted to initiate a billing event, which may include generation and transmission of a bill to a sponsor entity based on an evaluation of the location object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device.

Abstract: A shortest path from a source to a destination for a current start time in a set of start times is determined. A processor identifies a critical start time in the set of start times that is temporally separated from the current start time by at least one intermediate start time. The shortest path from the source to the destination for the current start time is set as the shortest path for the at least one intermediate start time without separately determining the shortest path for the at least one intermediate start time. A different shortest path is determined from the source to the destination for the critical start time.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for allowing a novice user to create, manage, and distribute maps, map-based games, and simulations in any environment, with map tiles from any map provider. Users are allowed to make and manage such maps with a universal map-authoring application, thereby increasing its desirability among other novice users.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a display means 2 for displaying either a route using a car pool lane or a route not using the car pool lane, an input means 3 and 210 for inputting a command, and a control unit 10 for switching from the route using the car pool lane, which is displayed by the display means, to the route not using the car pool lane or vice versa according to a command inputted from the input means.

Abstract: An approach for enabling a user to view multimedia information associated with a route is described. A route based multimedia generator determines an input for selecting at least one route associated with at least one device. The route based multimedia generator further determines multimedia information associated with the at least one route. The route based multimedia generator further causes, at least in part, a presentation of the multimedia information in place of mapping information, navigation information, or a combination thereof associated with the at least one route.

Abstract: A navigation system of a vehicle includes a first display arranged behind a first mirror surface of a right outside mirror of the vehicle, a second display arranged behind a second mirror surface of a left outside mirror of the vehicle, and a control unit connected to the first display and the second display to control an output of graphic information on the first display and the second display. The control unit is configured to determine a current maneuver instruction based on a route and a current position of the vehicle, and the control unit is configured to control the output of different graphic information on the first display and the second display, based on the current maneuver instruction and/or the current position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a method for navigating to dynamic destinations. The method includes associating a leader mobile device with a follower mobile device. The method also includes displaying, on the follower mobile device, a first path from a follower vehicle to a first location of a leader vehicle. The follower vehicle is associated with the follower mobile device. The leader vehicle is associated with the leader mobile device. The method further includes displaying, on the follower mobile device, a second path from the follower vehicle to a second location of the leader vehicle.

Abstract: A method of displaying navigational instructions when a navigation application is running in a background mode of an electronic device is provided. The method displays a non-navigation application in the foreground on a display screen of the electronic device. The method displays a navigation bar without a navigation instruction when the device is not near a navigation point. The method displays the navigation bar with a navigation instruction when the device is near a navigation point. In some embodiments, the method receives a command to switch from running the navigation application in the foreground to running another screen view in the foreground. The method then runs the other screen view in the foreground while displaying a navigation status display on an electronic display of the device.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus comprises a processing resource arranged to support, when in use, an operational environment, the operational environment supporting a route calculator, a time estimation module, a route segmentation module and a weather data processing engine. A map database comprising geospatial data is also provided. The route calculator is arranged to calculate, when in use, a route between a first location and a second location. The time estimation module is arranged to estimate a time at which a user will be present at a location along the route. The route segmentation module arranged to divide the route into a plurality of route parts and to obtain from the time estimation module at least one time of presence associated with at least one of the plurality of route parts, respectively. The weather data processing engine arranged to provide weather data associated with a route part of the plurality of route parts in respect of the time of presence associated with the route part.

Abstract: A service providing method of a user terminal device connected to a display apparatus mounted on a moving means includes displaying a stored contact list and guiding one or more routes which displays a route guide screen to selected address information by utilizing a display apparatus if the address information is selected from personal information recorded on the displayed contact list. Accordingly, various services can be provided based on the personal information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting and using user-contributed map data. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for collecting maneuver-specific annotations. According to the method, a user is presented with a set of computer-generated driving directions comprising a plurality of maneuvers. In association with presenting to the user the set of driving directions, the method presents to the user an option to submit an annotation for one of the plurality of maneuvers. In response to presenting the option to the user, the annotation is received from the user and stored in association with an identification of the one of the plurality of maneuvers. The stored annotation may be incorporated in the set of computer-generated driving directions.

Abstract: Various examples are disclosed of how to leverage technology in a vehicle to provide various services in a convenient manner. For example, the pairing of the portable device with the on-board computer of the vehicle may be utilized as a level of authorization to provide certain services in a more automated and/or convenient way to the vehicle driver or other occupant of the vehicle, such as by authenticating wireless transactions with entities external to the vehicle using device pairing technology, and by modifying vehicle navigation routes to include suggested nearby points of interest that may be determined to be of particular value to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes identifying points-of-interest (POIs) associated with one or more of multiple, selected geographic areas, and determining, for each of the multiple geographic areas, a score associated with the identified POIs. The actions also include generating a combined score for each identified POI based on the determined scores associated with the respective POI, selecting a subset of the identified POIs based at least on the combined scores, and displaying a link to the POIs in the subset.

Abstract: A route planning apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a display, a user interface, a caution information reader, and a route verifier. The display displays a user-scheduled route on a map. The user interface accepts an input of time and date to travel on the route. The caution information reader reads caution information having influence on the travel and associated with position, and time and date. The route verifier verifies whether the travel on the route is available based on one or more positions, and times and dates at which the caution information read by the caution information reader indicates, one or more positions on the route, and the inputted travel time and date.

Abstract: Technology is generally described for computing paths between geographical localities. The technology can receive a request for a path between two or more geographical localities, and compute a path based at least on a popularity rating of intermediate geographical localities.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying navigation information on a control display unit which has at least one entry field and a plurality of display lines. The method includes at least receiving a plurality of delete command entries, receiving a display line selection, determining the number of delete command entries, identifying a navigation route segment displayed in the selected display line, wherein the navigation route segment displayed in the selected display line comprises at least a first navigation route segment, deleting the first navigation route segment, deleting navigation route segments which follow the first navigation route segment in sequential order until the number of deleted navigation route segments equals the number of delete command entries received, and displaying the navigation information. A system which executes the method is also provided.

Abstract: A possibility for simplifying the inputting of the destination in a motor vehicle navigation system by providing the user with useful additional items of information for the specification of ambiguous destination indications. Such a navigation system includes means for destination input, a navigation module for route planning, and means for displaying information, in particular indications of location, additional items of information concerning the indications of location, and route information, the means for destination input supporting a hierarchical, interactive inputting of the destination, by providing the user, in the case of ambiguous textual destination indications, with a choice of destination alternatives, including additional items of specifying information, until an unambiguous destination indication is made. The textual destination indications are stored together with corresponding geographic coordinates.

Abstract: A system and method for informing commuters of real-time time of arrival and cost information with respect to one or more routes prior to commencement of a trip. Reserved lane information (e.g., toll charge, traffic speeds in the reserved and general lanes, etc.) can be integrated with a data feed provided to, for example, navigation enabled devices such as in-car guidance systems or mobile phones. Time of arrival information with respect to the destination can be provided based on wireless data indicative of traffic conditions and highway speed limit information. Additionally, real-time toll charges can be provided to the commuter for multiple routes.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide route guidance by maintaining a plurality of user preferences, receiving a beginning location and an ending location of a trip, and receiving a trip purpose of the trip. Such devices and methods automatically generate multiple different routes between the beginning location and the ending location, automatically create a subset of less than all of the user preferences that match the trip purpose to produce purpose-specific preferences, and automatically rank the multiple different routes by ranking routes that match more of the purpose-specific preferences ahead of routes that match less of the purpose-specific preferences to produce a ranked order. Then, such devices and methods automatically output the multiple different routes in the ranked order.

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: Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the display of points of interest (POI) by a navigation device comprising a display and a processor. The method involves associating each of one or more predefined geographic areas respectively with one or more points of interest (POI), and associating each predefined geographic area with at least one display criterion specifying a condition to be met in order for the one or more points of interest associated with the area to be displayed by a navigation apparatus. In use the processor of the navigation apparatus selects the one or more points of interest associated with a predefined geographic area for display by the navigation device when the at least one display criterion associated with the predefined area and a location criterion with respect to the predefined geographic area are all met. The display criterion may be a requirement that the current time is within a particular range of hours, or that the apparatus is in a given state of operation e.g.

Abstract: A method, a system, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for browsing spot information, adapted to an electronic device, are provided. In the present method, a plurality of spot information are retrieved, in which each of the spot information at least comprises a picture and a location of a spot. Next, an electronic map is displayed and a spot marker is marked at the spot location of each spot information on the electronic map. Meanwhile, a spot browsing bar is displayed on a side of the electronic map and the spot pictures of the spot information are sequentially displayed in the spot browsing bar. When a select operation of a certain spot marker on the electronic map is received, the spot browsing bar is scrolled to show the spot picture corresponding to the selected spot marker.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for updated routing are described. A device computes a route from an origin to a destination and provides updated navigation information as a user travels along the route. In response to a change in orientation of the device, a display element is presented indicating the orientation of the device, allowing the user to enter an indication to compute an updated routing based on the orientation of the device. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a user may be presented with routing information such as time and distance information based on potential routing computed a detected orientation of an orientation detection device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods relating to navigation and calendar integration are described. In one implementation, confidence ratings are calculated for one or more destinations. Each destination has an associated confidence rating and confidence ratings are based on a match between the current time and time data for each destination. A destination is selected based on confidence rating and displayed. A calendar event is created based upon the selected destination.

Abstract: We present a new method and system to calculate and present options when planning to move or transfer from point A to point B. We are introducing a new concept where user have more defining measurable factors in route selection, with option to further optimize the result based on user preference. The method can be used for passenger trip planning (for example, when booking a flight) and for freight trip planning (for example, when shipping an object). Other examples and methods are also given.

Abstract: A method for a computing device to determine a route entails determining a sun position relative to the route, determining weather conditions along the route, and determining whether to provide alternate routing based on both the sun position and the weather conditions. In one implementation, time-specific and weather-specific digital photographs of points of interest along the route are downloaded for display on the device when the device is located at or near the points of interest.

Abstract: A device for aiding the flight management of an aircraft includes a calculation device for determining in real time an updated lateral trajectory that the aircraft will follow and a display device for displaying this updated lateral trajectory on a cockpit screen of the aircraft. Consequently, the crew of the aircraft is able to readily visualize and understand the updated lateral trajectory that will put the aircraft back on the original course as a result of the display on the display device.

Abstract: A driver-assistance method, in which an optical sensor records an environment of a vehicle, and ruts formed by the tracks of vehicles driving ahead are detected based on the acquired data, and a signal is output to the driver when leaving the ruts. Also described is a driver-assistance system for executing the method.

Abstract: A method for assisting a vehicle driver, wherein a sensor for covering the surroundings covers a pavement in front of the vehicle in order to determine a virtual vehicle corridor for a road vehicle in a complex traffic situation and the virtual vehicle corridor is determined depending on identified traffic lines and raised pavement boundaries.

Abstract: A navigation system should have a personality. That includes responses to and comments on driver's requests and actions whether right or wrong. The navigation system can call the driver/navigator by name, nickname or a swearword depending on the settings instilled by the user and the “Mood” of the device. The term “Navigation System” here applies to any device used to navigate movement from one please to another whether car navigation system or mobile phone navigation systems. It is also suggested here that a car can greet the driver with her/his name The car can save and deploy driver-specific settings like climate control setting, radio station setting, and audio system settings. The navigation system can be a good place to enter, save and deploy those settings.

Abstract: A method for providing a driver assistance service includes the steps of determining a first measured value for a first measured variable using a first measuring device, which is situated onboard a first motor vehicle, of transmitting the first measured value to a second motor vehicle and of providing the driver assistance service in the second motor vehicle based on the transmitted first measured value.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly adding navigational content to a personal navigation device includes changing a mode of the personal navigation device to pairing standby mode, adding navigational content to a computing device, and establishing a direct wireless connection between the personal navigation device and the computing device to add navigational content to the personal navigation device from the computing device when the personal navigation device and the computing device are within range of each other for establishing a wireless connection.

Abstract: Adaptive route guidance can include analyzing route progressions associated with one or more routes based on multiple user preferences. The adaptive route guidance can provide one or more preferred routes based on the user preferences, which can be presented to a user for navigation purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to, for example, a multimedia terminal having a function of navigation equipment and a function of playing back video and switches a display from a map display to a source display also with source switching operators 13P, 13R. In addition, menus of upper and lower hierarchies are simultaneously displayed to accept operations through a touch panel and a remote commander. In addition to a press-operable main rotary operator, a press-operable sub rotary operator is provided on a side surface. Among operations accepted through the main rotary operator, only a specific operation relating to content processing is accepted through the sub rotary operator.

Abstract: A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application that communicates with a remote Buddy Watch Server. The server gets or maintains position data for the wireless devices. When the server receives a request from a first device to set up a position-sharing relationship between it and a second device, the server calculates a path between the devices and transmits the path to each device. One or both users can then approach the other along the path. During this process, the server can receive updated position data from one or both devices, and if necessary recalculate the path based on the updated data.

Abstract: A routing module identifies POIs that can be reached from a route with a cost less than distance m. A routing engine performs a reverse exploration on nodes in the planned route to locate POIs from which the route can be reached with a cost of less than a second cost n. POIs identified as being reachable from the route with a cost of less than m, and from which the route is reachable with a cost less than n are then further filtered to identify a subset of the POIs for which the sum of the time or distance from the route to the POI and the time or distance from the POI back to the route is less than a threshold time or distance, t.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for displaying a point of interest (POI). According to the present invention, a screen for path guiding and a screen for POI guiding can be simultaneously and separately provided, thereby facilitating the recognition of a POI and increasing the accessibility to a POI while driving.

Abstract: An electronic mobile device includes a display for displaying a graphical element. A tilt sensor is configured to sense first and second tilt angles of the mobile device. A processor is coupled to the display and the tilt sensor and configured to move the graphical element relative to the display in a first direction based on the first tilt angle, and to move the graphical element relative to the display in a second direction based on the second tilt angle.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a navigation route for displaying on a device; estimating a public display location along the navigation route; and scheduling a location-based notification to be presented at the public display location and prior to traversing the navigation route.