Abstract: In map data, a road corresponds to a multilink defined as links connected consecutively with an identical attribute. The map data contains a road management information list, link information list, and coordinate information list of a real data list. In the road management information list, fixed-length road management information elements, each of which indicates the number of links in each multilink, are arrayed in an order. In the link information list, fixed-length link information elements, each of which indicates the number of coordinate points in each link, are arrayed in an order in which corresponding road management information elements are arrayed in the road management information list. In the coordinate information list, fixed-length coordinates information elements, each of which indicates coordinate points arranged in one link to illustrate a shape of the link, are arrayed in an order in which the coordinate points are arranged in the link.

Abstract: A computing device can access a calendar entry having an associated time and an associated location, in a calendar application. The computing device can dynamically determine an estimated travel time to the location associated with the calendar entry. The computing device can provide an alarm indication for the calendar entry at a time based on the estimated travel time.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first memory device, a second memory device and a controller. The first memory device stores vehicular data in accident. The second memory device has control data area for storing control data in nonvolatile manner. The controller records the vehicular data stored in the first memory device into the control data area of the second memory device by overwriting the control data in response to vehicular accident. It is possible to increase a recordable amount of vehicular data in vehicular accident without increasing recording capacity exclusively preserved to vehicular data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system and method is provided whereby map-related requests from mobile devices are used to store and aggregate routes. The routes are then used to determine optimum directions in response to subsequent requests.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a criterion for selecting a point-of-interest (POI). The criterion can be based on historical trip data. Data related to a POI, including a community-of-interest rating, for example, can be accessed through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Multiple POIs can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion and/or other data. Once a POI is selected, data related to the selected POI, including navigation data, can be displayed. In another embodiment, the controller can access navigation data to a specified destination. The navigation data can be based on historical trip data such as route segments and destination areas. The navigation data can be accessed from an in-vehicle system or from a navigation service provider and can be displayed to assist a user in reaching the specified destination.

Abstract: A method for selecting a route from a departure point to an arrival point includes acquiring information concerning a departure point and an arrival point and information concerning a route from the departure point to the arrival point; generating a plurality of basic routes; calculating a parameter of an evaluation function that yields the selected route as an optimum route; generating a new route using the calculated parameter, determining whether or not the generated new route is identical to the selected route; on a condition that the generated new route is not identical to the selected route, adding the generated new route to the basic routes, recalculating the parameter, generating a new route, and comparing the new route with the selected route; and if the new route is identical to the selected route, storing the parameter when the new data becomes identical to the selected route.

Abstract: A method and a terminal for providing a route in a navigation system using a satellite image are provided. The terminal includes a route calculation unit for calculating a route from a current location to a destination when a user inputs the destination, a satellite image requesting unit for requesting a satellite image server for satellite images corresponding to locations on the route and for downloading the requested satellite images, a satellite image storage unit for storing the downloaded satellite images, and a controller for retrieving a satellite image corresponding to the current location from the satellite image storage unit and for displaying the retrieved satellite image simultaneously while downloading the satellite images corresponding to the locations on the route.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a traveled route of a mobile device in a mobile network. Analysis of a network usage record identifies activities and associated activity information of the mobile device. A series of consecutive movements of the mobile device along a path of locations is determined from the activity information. Historical sets of routes of the mobile device are accessed. Each route is a set of locations from an origin location to a destination location of the route. At least one common route is ascertained from the set of routes. The locations in each common route include all of the locations on the path. The origin location and destination location of each common route is the origin location and destination location of the path, respectively. A common route of the at least one common route is designated as the traveled route of the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for performing a marking operation to mark a presence or absence of at least one underground facility using a marking device. Marking material is dispensed onto a target surface via actuation of an actuation system of the marking device. A location tracking system detects a location of the marking device. One or more input devices of the marking device detect(s) one or more operating conditions of the marking device, and marking information is logged into local memory of the marking device. In one aspect, at least some operating information relating to the one or more detected conditions of the marking device are included in the marking information logged into memory.

Abstract: A speed profile dictionary and associated lookup tables are disclosed. A set of distinct speed profiles is defined using a statistical analysis routine. Preferably, the statistical analysis routine uses clustering. The speed profiles are then matched to location codes identifying physical locations on a road network and days of the week. Applications using historic traffic data may use the speed profile dictionary and one or more lookup tables instead of a complete historic traffic database, thereby reducing the amount of memory needed to store historic traffic data.

Abstract: Techniques using double-hub indexing are provided that can provide efficient solutions to location-based services that depend on two query points. Such services include point of interest (POI) prediction, best via point, and ride sharing. Double-hub indexing builds on the hub labels (HL) algorithm for computing shortest paths on road networks. It associates two labels (forward and backward) to each vertex v in the network. Each label comprises a set of hubs (other vertices), together with the distances between these hubs and v. The set of labels have a cover property that for any two vertices s and t, their labels intersect in at least one hub that is on the shortest s-t path.

Abstract: A device and method for managing a schedule of one or more events in a navigation device of a vehicle. The method includes determining by the navigation device that a predetermined vehicle event has occurred; receiving the schedule by the navigation device based upon the step of determining; and issuing an alert by the navigation device that a scheduled event has passed, is occurring or will occur within a predetermined time.

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: To store geometric objects, a distance is determined from each prespecified objects to one other prespecified object. The distance represents a similarity of the corresponding prespecified objects. The prespecified objects are grouped together such that the prespecified objects are more similar with respect to prespecified geometric objects of the same group than with respect to objects of the other groups. For each group, a representative is ascertained, depending on the prespecified objects within the groups. The representatives of all the groups (are stored. In a representative fashion for the prespecified objects, only one identification of the prespecified object an indication of the corresponding representative of the prespecified object and values, by which a size and position of the corresponding representative is prespecified, is stored for each of the prespecified objects, depending on the size and the position of the corresponding prespecified objects.

Abstract: A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.

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: The described principles provide a method and system for enabling a telematic operator to determine that an outbound call has been placed to a non-telematic mobile directory number by the telematic operator in error. In one aspect, the invention allows the telematic operator to create an identification of all non-telematic MDN's stored by the wireless carrier which the telematic operator continues to believe are active and are associated with a pending transaction. Improved synchronization of records between the wireless carrier and telematic operator is provided to minimize incidents involving transactional differences between MDN values stored by the wireless carrier and telematic operator when an assigned MDN is processed in error between the two entities. The use of unique modem telephone numbers by the telematic operator allows identification of the affected MDN (by the telematic operator) while providing the customer data privacy needed for the wireless carrier.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus includes: a memory for storing a map data; a center communication element for obtaining a latest map data from a center; an inter-vehicle communication element for communicating with another in-vehicle apparatus; an input element for receiving an input signal of a specific area from an user; and a controller for setting the specific area as an initial main area. The inter-vehicle communication element receives another map data from another in-vehicle apparatus. The controller compares the map data with another map data. When another main area includes an area not included in the initial main area, the controller adds the area as a new main area, and updates the map data with another map data. The controller updates the map data corresponding to the initial main area with the latest map data.

Abstract: A marking tool and a method for marking a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility is presented. The method includes dispensing a marker when a trigger of a marking tool is actuated. The method further includes identifying at least one characteristic associated with the marker or the dispensing of the marker. The method further includes storing the at least one characteristic associated with dispensing the marker when the actuation of the trigger is signaled.

Abstract: The disclosed method includes: first identifying, for each candidate place of a second place that will be traveled subsequently to a first place whose traveling order has been determined among plural places and for which traveling order is not determined, a point in a space mapped by a travel cost and one or plural costs, by reading out a travel cost value between the first place and the candidate place, and reading one or plural cost values of the candidate place from a second data storage unit; extracting one or plural candidate places corresponding to Pareto solutions in the space; second identifying the second place from the one or plural extracted candidate places; and generating traveling route candidates for the plural places by repeating the first identifying, the extracting and the second identifying.

Abstract: Marking information relating to the use of a marking system or a marking tool configured to dispense one or more markers to mark, on ground, pavement, or other surface, a location of an underground utility, is used to control a display device so as to visually display a dispensing of the one or more markers on an electronic representation of an area that is marked and includes the location of the underground utility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing on a display device an electronic rendering of a marking operation to mark on ground, pavement, or other surface a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. One or more electronic locate marks are displayed in a display field of the display device, based at least in part on one or more actuation data sets representing at least one physical locate mark created by an actuation of a marking device used for the marking operation. Exemplary actuation data sets comprise at least two pieces of geographic information for a corresponding physical locate mark. Electronic locate marks may be rendered statically or dynamically in the display field (e.g., as feedback during the marking operation, and/or in a timed sequence so as to recreate the marking operation), and may be overlaid on a digital image of work site/dig area in which the marking operation is performed.

Abstract: Provided is a general-purpose map matching system enabling high-speed map matching while maintaining a precision of an analysis based on a map matching result even when event data is transmitted from numerous vehicles. The grid road generation unit 8 generates each grid obtained by the division of a region in which a road network exists into a latitude direction and a longitude direction by equal spaces based on data stored in the road network storage unit. Then, combine grids whose sets of roads passing are the same. The event grid matching unit correlates event data collected from a vehicle and a grid. When the number of pieces of event data correlated with the grid is large, the event processing priority determination unit selects a part of the data. The event road matching unit correlates the selected event data and a road in the grid.

Abstract: This invention includes a method of creating a navigation route based on certain criteria along several possible routes. One such criterion can be property values along routes. A navigation system using such a method can operate either off-line, with property values retrieved from a database previously, or on-line, with real-time retrieval of property values from a database. The retrieval is done using a communication interface. The system can include a GPS unit for determining the present location of the system, and the system with such a GPS unit can create a property-value-based navigation route from the present location to the destination without the driver being required to know the present location. Other criteria can include values of cars, boats, or airplanes registered at locations along routes. Routes along which are residences of criminals can be avoided.

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 data processor includes: a road map database storing a road map data having a link data with setting information of the link and road network information with connection information between links; a communication element obtaining a new link data with connection object setting information of a connection object link and coordinate information of one end of the new link from an external device; and a controller. The controller extracts a link data of a link in a predetermined geographical area with a center of the one end of the new link. The controller determines that the new link is connected to an extracted link when the connection object setting information matches the setting information of the extracted link data. The controller registers the new link data and connection information between the new link and the connection object link in the road map data.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the provision of a predictive eHorizon in a driver assistance system. A method for providing a predictive eHorizon in a driver assistance system is provided, wherein a horizon provider in a driver assistance system makes information about an expected route course available to an assistance application. The horizon provider creates a planning table including information about the expected route course and/or including data to be provided as a function of the route course, associated with an expected position of the vehicle in the planning table. The planning table data to be provided by the assistance system application are taken at least partially from the planning table as a function of the current position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for assigning a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle by exchanging electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the first motor vehicle in a predetermined temporal signal pattern and received by the second motor vehicle, where they are compared as to whether the received electromagnetic signals correspond to a signal pattern stored in the second motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle then is assigned as a function of the comparison. This method is particularly suited to assigning trailers to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to improve the accuracy of estimating a destination in a destination estimating apparatus. A destination estimating apparatus 100 includes: a learning data storing unit 9b that stores a history of a location specified as a destination in the past; a destination estimating unit 83 that estimates a destination from among a plurality of destination candidates including a location stored in the learning data storing unit 9b; and a candidate excluding unit 84 that, based on the history stored in the learning data storing unit 9b, excludes a destination candidate for which it is determined that a certainty factor of being a destination is lower than a predetermined threshold value from destination candidates that are estimated as being a destination by the destination estimating unit 83.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and conveying point of interest (POI) information is disclosed. The system detects when a vehicle is at a previously unknown POI, gathers information related to the new POI, and updates a central server with the new POI location information. In this context, a POI may be any type of location including roads, gas stations, strip malls, retail establishments, eating establishments, hospitals, police stations, etc. POI information may include a variety of data including new road locations, new entrances to roads, toll amounts, gas station names, gas prices, strip mall names, retail establishment names, eating establishment names, sales and specials, hospital names, emergency room entrance locations, police station entrances, etc.

Abstract: A method of providing augmented Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation can include detecting movement of a GPS enabled mobile device along a navigational route and displaying a photographic image on a display of the GPS enabled mobile device responsive to detecting movement of the GPS enabled mobile device along the navigational route provided by the GPS enabled mobile device. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A route search system includes: a reception unit that receives a search request for a plurality of first routes, that are routes between all the combinations of two of a plurality of points; a search unit that, when the search request is received by the reception unit, searches the plurality of first routes based upon a search condition included in the search request; and a supply unit that transmits route information for the plurality of first routes searched by the search unit. Both a number of times the search request is received by the reception unit, and a number of times route information is transmitted by the supply unit, are smaller than a number of points in the plurality of points.

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 disclosure is directed to a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) view combined with information from navigation charts. The operator of a vehicle is not required to mentally combine separate SVS view and navigation charts, increasing situational awareness and decreasing complexity. A synthetic terrain representation is generated, combined with navigation chart information, and displayed. Additionally, the combination may include an indicator indicating the intended path of the current planned course. The combination may be generated with less detailed navigation chart information when further away or more detailed navigation chart information when close, displaying more detail as landmarks are approached. The combination may include indicators representing one or more navigation aids based on information in the navigation charts. The combination may include text based on navigation chart information.

Abstract: Method and device for determining an optimal flight trajectory followed by an aircraft. The device (1) includes means (8, 9) for determining an optimal flight trajectory, which is free of collision with obstacles, which respects constraints of energy, and which links the current position of the aircraft to a target point defined by an operator.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including constructing a path-distance oracle that provides both an intermediate vertex of a shortest path between two vertices in a spatial network and an approximate distance between the two vertices. The constructing comprises decomposing the spatial network into a set of path-coherent pairs (PCPs) that satisfy at least one predefined property.

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 technology for searching for a recommended route matched to a search condition is provided for route search that involves substitution with a learned route. A route search device comprises: a storage means to store therein, as learned routes, routes corresponding to sections where traveling deviated from recommended routes have been performed; a setting means to set a search condition matched a recommended route; a recommended-route search means to find a recommended route on the basis of the search condition; an application means to select any one of the learned routes that is applicable to the thus found recommended route, and apply the selected learned route to the recommended route; and a display means to display the recommended route to which the learned route has been applied. The storage means stores therein category information of the learned routes in association with the respective learned routes.

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.

Abstract: A device is provided for backing up calibration information for an air navigation instrument intended to be installed in an aircraft, the air navigation instrument comprising a first connector intended to be connected to a second connector belonging to the aircraft. The invention also relates to an aircraft instrument panel including the device. According to the invention, the backup device is connected between the first and the second connectors. The device comprises a third connector similar to the first connector and connected to the second connector and a fourth connector similar to the second connector and connected to the first connector. All the links from the second connector pass through the device to the fourth connector with no electrical interaction with the device. The device comprises backup means, connected only to the air navigation instrument, by means of the first and fourth connectors.