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.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for receiving and displaying a taxiway navigation route on a control display unit having at least one entry field and a plurality of display lines. A plurality of taxi route segments are received from an entry field. The plurality of taxi route segments include at least a first taxi route segment and a second taxi route segment. The taxi route segments are assigned to separate display lines in the order in which the taxi route segments were received to form a taxiway navigation route. The taxi route segments are displayed on the control display unit in the order in which the taxi route segments were received. The display line in which the first taxi route segment is to be assigned can be selected. In addition, navigation data corresponding to the taxi route segments can be identified, retrieved, and assigned to the respective taxi route segment.

Abstract: A GPS tuner provides high precision measurement, mapping, and Geocaching tools for a pocket PC and other mobile computing devices. The tuner accepts waypoints defining a desired route for navigation by a user, including land, water, and air routes. Waypoints may comprise latitude, longitude, and altitude of a geographical coordinate; user-assigned names; a type of geographic coordinate and coordinate description; photos; and associated sounds. Waypoints may be inputted by a user keying in way point data; by copying waypoints from another stored route; internet downloading from a Geocaching file; or importing from a GPX file. Waypoints may also be established from a free-form hand-drawn route on a touch screen, which may display a world-wide digital elevation model, and upon which a user scanned map may be overlaid through a calibration process. Navigation functions are selectable from a touch screen display of a self-adapting, ergonomically configured, array of icons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing the effect of road curvature on the travel time and the comfort level of a path determined by a ground based route planning system. The methods and systems identify a path and determine an allowable speed profile of the path, wherein the allowable speed profile satisfies a cross track acceleration constraint. Thereafter, the methods and systems determine an optimal speed profile of the path, wherein the optimal speed profile satisfies both an along track acceleration constraint and a speed constraint. Using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be factored into a determination of the traversal time of the path. Additionally, using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be used to derive a comfort level of the path. The optimal speed profile may be further used to provide driver assistance.

Abstract: A system serving a remotely accessible page includes a server and the remotely accessible page operatively connected to the server. The remotely accessible page includes a first activation option for initiating a navigation function utilizing no starting point or a starting point entered by a user, and a second activation option for initiating a navigation function utilizing a starting point obtained by the system from a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast on a broadcast terminal. The method includes displaying the received broadcast on a display of the broadcast terminal, and providing location information about a specific place or location shown on the currently displayed broadcast to a user of the broadcast terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for guiding a driving route to a destination that accept a user's needs for a driving route as much as possible and promptly reflect traffic information in real time to guide a driver to arrive at his or her destination by using an optimal route.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a touch screen for receiving a touch input and displaying a navigation map, mode-switching means for issuing a mode-switching command to switch the navigation system into an input mode, a memory for storing a database, and a controller to recognize a handwriting input or a gesture input to acquire an input information, search the database for a facility information corresponding to the input information, and show facilities represented by the facility information in the navigation map.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining at least one travelling route of a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to a predetermining of at least two criteria for a travelling route of the vehicle from a starting point to a target point takes place. The at least two criteria in this case are selected from the group consisting of a travelling duration, a travelling distance and an energy consumption. In addition, a defining of a weighting factor for each of the at least two predetermined criteria takes place. Furthermore, a determining of at least one travelling route from the starting point to the target point from a quantity of possible travelling routes based on the at least two predetermined criteria and as a function of the defined weighting factors of the at least two predetermined criteria takes place.

Abstract: A route finding system comprising a memory, GPS device, library of maps, an optimization algorithm and means for capturing user input and outputting data. The user input includes points, goals, constraints and relative preferences. Goals and constraints include characteristics of the route such as the type of road, number of turns, and traffic. The relative preferences are converted into numerical weights, positive or negative. In addition, the system integrates social networks' ratings and comments to further enhance route selection.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel consumption. A physical dynamics model may be used to simulate a vehicle being driven by a driver along a virtual route, possibly under specified weather conditions. A score for a route may be calculated from estimations, based on the simulation, of fuel efficiency, vehicle drivability, and/or time for completing the route. Routes may be configured from components through a user interface. Scores for the routes from simulations may be compared to select an optimum route.

Abstract: A user navigation guidance system, including: at least one personal inertial navigation module associated with at least one user and configured to generate navigation data; at least one central controller configured to: directly or indirectly receive at least a portion of the navigation data; and generate global scene data in a global reference frame for locating users, features, and/or positions; at least one navigation guidance unit configured to: directly or indirectly receive at least a portion of the global scene data from the at least one central controller; and generate guidance data; and at least one display device configured to generate and provide visual information to the at least one user. A user navigation network system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of displaying traffic information, comprising: providing a graphical interface to display information related to traffic routes; displaying a first bar to represent a total distance of a first traffic route; and displaying segments of the first bar, each segment of the first bar representing a corresponding range of traffic speeds along the first traffic route, and each segment of the first bar located on the bar in rough proportion to where the corresponding range of traffic speeds occurs along the first traffic route.

Abstract: Provided is a technology of a navigation device which is capable of identifying an intersection or the like based on designation of an incomplete name of a street in which an input of a first keyword and an input of a second keyword are received, and a connection point of a first street having a street name which includes at least in part the first keyword and a second street having a street name which includes at least in part the second keyword is identified, to thereby save the user, who is not always familiar with the geography of a search target area, from the inconvenience of inputting a complete name of the first street, based on which the second street is retrieved and selected and an intersection point of the first street and the second street is identified.

Abstract: Representation of linear features in a location content management system is disclosed. A linear feature is represented using a sequence of routing points that define a unique path when routed on a map through those points. A routing point consists of latitude, longitude, and optional stack position. Stack position defines an upper or lower level of a double-decker bridge or road. The data representing the linear feature is stored outside of a geographic database.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, a user-driven navigation model simplifies user interaction with the map navigation tool. For example, the map navigation tool identifies an upcoming list item among multiple list items of a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool receives a user input event. For example, the user input event represents a tap on a touchscreen of the computing device, voice input to a microphone of the computing device, or button or keystroke input to the computing device. Responsive to the user input event, the map navigation tool outputs an indication of the upcoming list item.

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: A method of processing touch commands and voice commands in parallel in an electronic device supporting speech recognition includes detecting a touch-down event on a touch-sensitive screen of the electronic device when touch input is sensed on the touch-sensitive screen, the touch-sensitive screen displaying one or more soft buttons, each soft button executing a corresponding command upon activation of the soft button. A microphone of the electronic device is activated to receive voice instructions in response to detecting the touch-down event. A touch-up event is detected when touch input is no longer sensed on the touch-sensitive screen, and it is determined whether a voice command was detected in a time period between the touch-down event and the touch-up event. The voice command is then executed if the voice command was detected.

Abstract: A navigation system may calculate a route to a destination and output guidance information with an output device to guide a user of the navigation system along the calculated route. If it is determined that a navigation device has left the calculated route, the navigation system may prompt the user asking whether output of guidance information should be suspended. If the output of guidance information should be suspended, the navigation system may suspend the output of guidance information and calculate a new route to the destination while the output of guidance information is suspended. The navigation system may calculate an estimated arrival time at the destination based on the calculated new route and output the estimated arrival time while the output of guidance information is suspended.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a navigation system automatically assigns or allows a user to assign a brand icon to a particular location. The navigation system displays the assigned brand icon as well as generic icons on a map image. Thus, the navigation system enables the user to quickly distinguish a particular place such as a point of interest (POI) from other similar type of POIs on a map image. The user can identify a particular chain restaurant from other restaurant by the brand icon unique to the particular chain restaurant on the map image so that the user can easily specify the favorite restaurant as a destination.

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: Techniques are provided for displaying a route symbol with narrative driving directions. A route symbol for a particular maneuver may be used to represent the road to which the maneuver relates. For example, one type of a route symbol that may be used to represent a road may be an interstate route symbol that has substantially the same appearance (e.g., substantially the same or similar shape, and/or substantially the same coloration) as an interstate route sign used to mark the interstate itself. Another example of a type of a route symbol that represents a road is an highway route symbol that looks substantially the same as a highway route sign used to mark a state highway. A route symbol used for the display of a maneuver also may include route symbols that are related to the type of maneuver, such as the type of a turn, described by the maneuver.

Abstract: A method of controlling a navigation apparatus, and which includes measuring, via a sensor, an environmental characteristic including at least one of an altitude of the navigation apparatus and an atmospheric pressure of an atmosphere the navigation apparatus is operating in; extracting, via a controller, a hearing characteristic including a degree of hearing impairment for a user operating the navigation apparatus from a memory based on the measured environmental characteristic; and compensating, via the controller, audio output by the navigation apparatus using the extracted degree of hearing impairment for the user operating the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for social networking utilizing a vehicular assembly. In operation, a vehicular assembly is utilized to communicate with a mobile device. Information about social contacts is received, utilizing the mobile device. Further, the information about social contacts is displayed, utilizing the vehicular assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing point of interest (POI) information of a mobile terminal. The method and apparatus extract POI information, where the POI information and/or associated road information is included in an image captured by a camera. Location information of an image capture place and image capture direction information are read from the digital photo image, and the POI information corresponding to the location and image capture direction information is extracted from a map data, and the extracted POI information is thereafter displayed on the digital photo image.

Abstract: A method (500) and navigation system (100) are provided that generate a navigation route that is environmentally optimized between an origin and destination. Upon receiving an origination location and destination from a user or other source, such as a GPS satellite (104), a route determination module (302) determines multiple routes between the origination location and destination. An environmental analysis module (301) then processes each route to determine an environmental impact value. An evaluation module (303) then can selects a proposed route for presentation to the user via a presentation module (304). Alternatively, the evaluation module (303) may select two or more routes, which the presentation module (304) may present with corresponding environmental impact data such that the user may select a particular route. Additionally, a green coach module (306) may provide instructions to the user for more environmentally beneficial operation of a vehicle (102).

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: When an operation mode (a latest cooperation mode) immediately before removal of a portable navigation device and an operation mode (a latest independence mode) immediately before re-mounting of the portable navigation device are the same, an MPU performs processing using processing data in the latest independence mode and takes over a route-guidance operation or a content-playback operation that was independently performed by the portable navigation device. On the other hand, when the latest cooperation mode and the latest independence mode are different from each other, the MPU performs processing using processing data in the latest cooperation mode and takes over a route-guidance operation or a content-playback operation that was performed by an in-vehicle apparatus and the portable navigation device in cooperation with each other.

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 navigation apparatus includes a route searching unit 130 for, when including a road where a car pool lane is also provided in a recommended route at a time of searching for a route from a current position determined by a current position determining means to a destination inputted by an input unit on the basis of map data acquired by a map data acquiring means, calculating a distance to be traveled according to the number of lanes which are crossed at the time of an entry to the car pool lane and at the time of an exit from the car pool lane, and then determining the recommended route in such a way that the recommended route uses an entrance and an exit of the car pool lane each of which is located at a location dependent upon the calculated distance.

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: 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 navigation system according to the present invention includes a control device 1 equipped with an automatic operation management means 10 for, when acquiring an operation guidance display request which is generated by a user's manipulation of an input device 2, making a direct transition to a final operation screen which is required to judge the user's intention among operation screens which are developed to implement navigation, and for combining the above-mentioned final operation screen which is reduced and a corresponding operation guidance to display them on a display device 5.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a display device displaying, on a cockpit pilot display unit, a set of indications including an aircraft symbol which illustrates the position of the aircraft and a map part which represents the airport and moves in relation to the aircraft symbol according to the current position of the aircraft in the airport, the aircraft symbol fixed on the cockpit pilot display unit in a centered position in a standard display. The system also has an actuating unit for deactivating the standard display to enable the aircraft symbol to be displaced on the cockpit pilot display unit, and an actuating unit for controlling a temporary displacement of the set of indications on the cockpit pilot display unit such that the aircraft symbol displayed moves away from the centered position.

Abstract: A GPS-based vehicle guidance system method for providing an integrated display for the operator of a vehicle and provides determining the ideal swath path based on predetermined and user inputted parameters. The method is applied to both manual and automatic modes of operation, and includes the use of an integrated display that clearly indicates whether the system is operating in chase or pull mode of operation with continuous indicators. The method also includes providing guidance to the vehicle operator at the beginning of the process and during end of row turns, to enable the vehicle to align with the predetermined swath paths.

Abstract: An azimuth processing device is designed for outputting azimuth data based on measurement data sequentially output from a compass sensor. In the device, an accumulation section selectively accumulates substantially new pieces of the measurement data. An offset data updating section updates offset data of the compass sensor based on plural pieces of the measurement data accumulated by said accumulation section. An azimuth data output section outputs the azimuth data based on substantially newest measurement data and the offset data.

Abstract: In a system for providing vehicular hospitality information, biological characteristic information about a user using a vehicle is acquired. Then, in accordance with a predetermined correlation between the biological characteristic information and stored hospitality information, hospitality information matching the acquired biological characteristic information is retrieved and outputted. Accordingly, in accordance with a character, mental condition, or physical condition of each user, appropriate information can be provided timely and sensitively.