38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 188 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140278005 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - A method and system for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a port fuel injection amount in response to engine stopping position. The engine stopping position may be indicative of a fraction of injected fuel that enters a cylinder for a first combustion event since engine stop. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278006 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AMOUNT OF FUEL AND VEHICLE INCLUDING SAME - A method is provided for operating a vehicular engine that comprises a plurality of pistons and a plurality of cylinders. The method comprises detecting an engine temperature and detecting an alcohol concentration of fuel. The method further comprises selecting an amount of fuel according to the engine temperature and the alcohol concentration and selectively dispensing the amount of fuel to the cylinders. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278007 | USING CYLINDER FIRING HISTORY FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL IN A SKIP FIRE ENGINE - Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278008 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE THEREIN - A method for operating an engine in a vehicle includes measuring a current to or from a generator mechanically coupled with the engine and determining at least one operating parameter of the engine. The method also includes providing an amount of fuel to the engine based on the current and the at least one operating parameter. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278009 | PHASER CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BALANCING MEAN EFFECTIVE PRESSURE - An engine control system includes a mean effective pressure (MEP) module, an imbalance module, and a phaser control module. The MEP module determines MEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders, respectively, of an engine. The imbalance module selectively determines whether first and second banks of the cylinders are imbalanced based on the MEPs. When the first and second banks of cylinders are imbalanced, the phaser control module selectively adjusts at least one of: a first phaser of an intake camshaft of the second bank of cylinders; and a second phaser of an exhaust camshaft of the second bank of cylinders. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278010 | ENGINE KNOCK DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method includes: generating an indicator of present operating conditions of an engine; determining a first amount of noise based on vibration measured during a first plurality of combustion events of a cylinder; storing the first amount of noise and a first value of the indicator in a mapping based on a first engine speed and a first engine load; determining the first value of the indicator from the mapping based on a second engine speed and a second engine load; generating a trigger signal when the first value is different than a second value of the indicator; and, when the trigger signal is generated: determining a second amount of noise based on vibration measured during a second plurality of combustion events of the cylinder; and replacing the first amount of noise and the first value in the mapping with the second amount of noise and the second value. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278011 | ADVANCED EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION FUELING CONTROL - For exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) fueling control, at least one donor cylinder of a plurality of cylinders in an engine provides exhaust gas to an air intake for the plurality of cylinders. A fuel variable restriction initially provides fuel concurrent with an intake stroke for the at least one donor cylinder in response to a transition from withholding the fuel to the plurality of cylinders. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278012 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAMPLING AND PROCESSING MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR DATA - A vehicle includes an engine having cylinders in fluid communication with an intake air flow, a mass air flow (MAF) sensor positioned with respect to the intake air flow which outputs a pulse train signal describing the frequency of the intake air flow, and a controller. The controller includes a calibrated non-linear conversion curve recorded in memory. The controller executes a method to convert the frequency data into a corresponding mass air flow using the calibrated non-linear conversion curve, determines the instantaneous mass air flow value at each leading or trailing edge of the pulse train signal, and accumulates the instantaneous mass air flow values over a calibrated duration. A time-weighted average of the accumulated mass air flow values is then used to execute a control action. The controller includes a host computer device and memory storing the curve and instructions for executing the method. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278013 | FAULT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING OXYGEN SENSOR IMPEDANCE - A diagnostic system of a vehicle includes an impedance module and a diagnostic module. The impedance module determines an impedance of a sensing element of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor based on a response of the sensing element to a change in current through the sensing element. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault associated with the exhaust gas oxygen sensor based on the impedance of the sensing element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278014 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENGINE TRANSIENT POWER RESPONSE - There is provided a system and method for controlling an engine. A request signal indicative of a demand for the engine to output a required power level is first receive. A position control signal is then generated in response to the request signal. The position request signal is indicative of a first request for adjusting a present position of a variable geometry mechanism of the engine towards a commanded position to achieve the required power level. An acceleration rate control signal is further generated on the basis of the position control signal. The acceleration rate control signal is indicative of a second request for adjusting an acceleration rate of the engine in accordance with the commanded position of the variable geometry mechanism. The position control signal and the acceleration rate control signal are then output to the engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278015 | ROTATIONAL SENSOR AND CONTROLLER - Engine control systems having rotational sensors and controllers, and associated methods and systems, are disclosed herein. An engine control system in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a drum operably coupled to a rotating shaft of an engine. The drum can include a pattern positioned on its surface and a sensor can be positioned proximate to the drum to read the pattern and/or write a new pattern. A rod can operably couple the drum to an engine input mechanism and operate to axially move the drum. The axial movement of the drum can shift the pattern to different portions, resulting in a change in the timing for an engine event. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278016 | ENGINE TORQUE SPIKE CANCELLATION DEVICE - A torque spike cancellation device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The torque spike cancellation device comprises a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is in driving engagement with an output of the internal combustion engine. The second member is in driving engagement with the first member. The third member is in driving engagement with the second member. An angular deviation between the first member and one of the second member and the third member causes a cyclical acceleration of the third member. The cyclical acceleration of the third member adjusts a torque applied to the third member by the internal combustion engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278017 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR REDUCING ENGINE KNOCK - A system and method for reducing engine knock associated with an internal combustion engine. An exhaust gas recirculation sub-system is fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine and includes a compressor and an exhaust gas storage tank fluidly connected to the compressor. In response to measuring that engine knock is occurring, compressed exhaust gas is injected from the exhaust gas storage tank into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278018 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - A method and a system for improving operation of an automatically started engine are described. In one example, slip of a disconnect clutch is adjusted to limit an amount of engine torque transferred to vehicle wheels. The method and system adjust disconnect clutch slip in response to transmission input shaft speed and/or engine combustion events. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278019 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING AVAILABILITY OF VEHICLE ENERGY CONSERVING MODES - Vehicles capable of operating in an energy conserving mode may include an interface for conveying inhibitors preventing activation of the energy conserving mode. The system may identify the inhibiting features and prompt an operator of the vehicle for authorization to disable the inhibiting features or adjust the feature states to enable the energy conserving mode. In response to receiving authorization, the system may automatically control feature interfaces to remove inhibits to the energy conserving mode. The interface may communicate active inhibitors to an operator using a display or a speaker, or both. Additionally, the interface may query the operator to approve automatic deactivation of the inhibiting features and facilitate the receipt of operator input to the query. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278020 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE STARTER - A diagnostic system and method for a vehicle with a starter-based stop-start system. At least one diagnostic check is performed before stopping the engine as a function of the stop-start system. Both diagnostic checks may be performed. If a diagnostic check indicates a failure of the starter motor or solenoid, operation of the stop-start system is suspended. The system utilizes a sensor to determine if the starter shaft is rotating when the shaft is in a position wherein a gear on the shaft is disengaged. Operability of the starter motor is checked by energizing and then de-energizing the motor without engaging the gear and determining if the shaft rotates. Operability of the solenoid is checked by sensing the rotation of the starter shaft and then energizing the solenoid to move the shaft into a position where the sensor cannot detect rotation of the shaft. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278021 | STEERING WHEEL DIRECTION INDICATOR FOR NEUTRAL START - A visual steering wheel direction indicator for a self-propelled machine. The indicator may additionally exhibit an indicator of the amount that the steering wheel must be turned in order to reach neutral. The indicator may be integrated into a neutral start system and may include dedicated direction indicators that function independently of the main operator display. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278022 | POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, ON-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING BOOSTING CIRCUIT - A power supply device is mounted in a vehicle capable of starting an engine with power supplied from a battery, and includes a booster configured to boost voltage supplied from the battery, a detecting unit configured to detect an engine start, a counting unit configured to count an engine start count based on the detecting unit, and a control unit configured to control the booster. The control unit outputs a control signal to permit the booster to boost the voltage in response to the engine start when the engine start count counted by the counting unit within a timer period does not exceed an allowable number of times. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278023 | METHOD FOR SUPPLYING A RAIL PRESSURE IN A COMMON RAIL SYSTEM - A method is described for supplying a rail pressure sufficient for a restart of a common rail internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is operated in a start/stop operation in which the internal combustion engine is stopped in response to a stop request and is started up again in response to a subsequent start request. The rail pressure is reduced by a presettable amount after a start request. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278024 | REMOTE START CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH A BUS CONTROLLABLE WINDOW AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote start control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, an engine, a window motor associated with a window and operating the window based upon a move window command on the data communications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climate control command on the data communications bus. The remote start control system may include a remote start transmitter to generate a remote start signal, and a vehicle remote start controller at the vehicle that may include a receiver to receive the remote start signal, and at least one processor cooperating with the receiver. The at least one processor, in response to the remote start signal, may generate the move window command on the data communications bus, generate the climate control command on the data communications bus, and start the engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278025 | REMOTE START CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH A BUS CONTROLLABLE BRAKE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote start control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, an engine, at least one vehicle brake being selectively operable based upon a parking brake command on the data communications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climate control command on data communications bus. The remote start control system may include a remote start transmitter to generate a remote start signal, and a vehicle remote start controller at the vehicle that may include a receiver to receive the remote start signal, and at least one processor cooperating with the receiver. The at least one processor, in response to the remote start signal, may generate the parking brake command on the data communications bus, generate the climate control command on the data communications bus, and start the engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278026 | Apparatus and system for monitoring and managing traffic flow - An apparatus and system for monitoring and managing traffic flow. The system includes a plurality of remote sensor devices arranged in a plurality of vehicles, a plurality of remote communication devices arranged along one or more roadways and in communication with the plurality of remote sensor devices, a central server, a network interface in communication with the central server and the plurality of remote communication devices over a network, and a shared database in communication with the central server. The central server is configured to receive traffic data from the plurality of remote sensor devices over the network, update traffic data in the shared database, periodically calculate an optimal traffic flow for one or more of vehicles traveling along the one or more roadways based on the updated traffic data, and transmit timing adjustments over the network to one or more traffic light intersections based on the optimal traffic flow calculations. The network interface is configured to send and receive traffic data, wherein the traffic data includes vehicle location information. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSOCIATING VEHICLES EN ROUTE TO A COMMON DESTINATION - Methods and systems are provided for associating vehicles en route to a common destination. A request is received from a first vehicle as to an identification of one or more additional vehicles en route to the common destination. The first vehicle is associated with the additional vehicles as part of a caravan. Information is provided as to each of the vehicles in the caravan. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278028 | SECURITY SYSTEM WITH TRAFFIC MONITORING - The present disclosure relates to approaches for providing real time traffic information to a user using a control panel of a building automation system. The control panel includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the processor to couple the control panel to at least one of a sensor and a controller of the building automation system, receive traffic data for a geographic area associated with the control panel, and generate at least one audible notification to communicate the traffic data to a user through the control panel. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278029 | Methods And Software For Managing Vehicle Priority In A Self-Organizing Traffic Control System - Methods and software for managing vehicle priority proximate to a potential travel-priority conflict zone, such as a roadway intersection, where travel conflicts, such as crossing traffic, can arise. Coordination involves forming an ad-hoc network in a region containing the conflict zone using, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and developing a dynamic traffic control plan based on information about vehicles approaching the conflict zone. Instructions based on the dynamic traffic control plan are communicated to devices aboard vehicles in the ad-hoc network, which display one or more virtual traffic signals to the operators of the vehicles and/or control the vehicles (for example, in autonomous vehicles) in accordance with the dynamic traffic control plan, which may account for a priority level associated with one or more of the vehicles. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278030 | AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC DETECTION SYSTEM - An traffic detection system (TDS) can receive an information signal associated with a sensed vehicle. The vehicle may be sensed on a roadway by one or more sensors. The system can identify data within the received signal indicative of characteristics of the vehicle, and determine a classification of the vehicle based on at least the characteristics of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the system may determine a traffic pattern associated with the roadway based on at least the determination of the classification of the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278031 | EVENT-BASED TRAFFIC ROUTING - One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for to creating an avoidance zone spatially proximate a venue, where the avoidance zone is created based upon identifying road segments where increased traffic congestion is expected due to an event at the venue. Information pertaining to the avoidance zone, such as a description of road segments to avoid and/or expected travel delays, may be provided to a route planner configured to develop vehicle routes. In this way, the route planner can take into consideration the impact of events on one or more road segments when planning a route. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278032 | TRAFFIC CAUSALITY - One or more techniques and/or systems for providing congestion information for a road segment presently experiencing traffic congestion and/or likely to experience traffic congestion in the future are provided. In some embodiments, traffic models are configured to determine road segments where traffic congestion is likely to occur, to determine a cause of traffic congestion, and/or to determine the effect of such traffic congestion (e.g., the duration of such traffic congestion, the expected time delays due to such traffic congestion, etc.). Congestion information indicative of the cause of congestion and/or the effect(s) of such traffic congestion, for example, may be provided to a user to explain to the user why the congestion is occurring, to describe one or more road segments to avoid, and/or to explain why a particular route was selected as a preferred route to a destination, for example. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278033 | WINDOW-ORIENTED DISPLAYS FOR TRAVEL USER INTERFACES - 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). Such user interfaces enable user interaction while allowing the individual to maintain gaze through the window. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278034 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED TRAFFIC FLOW REPORTING USING SATELLITE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO SERVICE (SDARS) AND VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS, NAVIGATION AND TRACKING SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for improved traffic flow reporting (e.g., system bandwidth conservation and timely traffic flow updates) using in-vehicle devices, service hub, and communications system for transmitting aggregated traffic flow data to the vehicles. In-vehicle devices store data relating to monitored segments of roadways (e.g., segment identifiers or location codes and designated range(s) of speed), and send messages to the hub when current vehicle speed is not within a selected range designated for the current segment of roadway where the vehicle is located. The hub provides updated traffic flow data based on the messages to the communications system for transmission to the vehicles. Vehicles can be configured to send messages based on various criteria. One or more selected vehicles can be commanded to send a message to the hub. Vehicles can respond to location-specified content in broadcast data when they determined themselves to be in the specified location. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278035 | REAL-TIME TRAFFIC CONDITION MEASUREMENT USING NETWORK TRANSMISSION DATA - In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for identifying a first location, at time one, of a plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate a cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, identifying a second location, at time two, for each of the plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate the cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, calculating a vehicle speed for each of the plurality of automobiles using the first and second locations already identified, and creating a traffic condition measure for a route in proximity to the first and second locations. The computer program product may repeat this process in real-time to calculate a real-time traffic condition measure that may be a traffic density measure the computer program product may use to predict a travel time. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278036 | DEPARTURE SEQUENCING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A departure sequencing system models airport operations and provides suggested gate pushback times for aircraft. In various embodiments, a departure sequencing system includes an airport state analyzer, a taxi-out predictor, and a pushback optimizer. The departure sequencing system may utilize stochastic models, and resolve aircraft conflicts using a business rules engine. Via use of the departure sequencing system, taxi times may be reduced, taxi fuel burn may be reduced, and airport throughput may be increased. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278037 | AIRCRAFT TAXIING SYSTEM - An aircraft taxiing system is provided, comprising a flight control system, an electric taxi system having controls, a flight management system (FMS), at least one data input source coupled to the FMS, and a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS). The FMS is programmed with instructions to calculate guidance speed and heading commands, augment the guidance commands to avoid runway incursions, and transmit the guidance commands to the flight control system. The TCAS is programmed with instructions to receive Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data from ground traffic, generate collision avoidance alerts; and transmit the collision avoidance alerts to the flight control system. The flight control system is programmed with instructions to receive guidance commands from the FMS, receive the traffic collision avoidance alerts from the TCAS, and compute the steering commands, and transmit the commands to the electric taxi system to taxi the aircraft along a calculated taxi route. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278038 | Vehicle Range Projection - A system adapted to determine a projected range of a vehicle is described. The system includes: a storage element adapted to store a set of parameters associated with a vehicle; a map evaluation element adapted to retrieve information regarding a geographic area associated with a position of the vehicle; and a processing element adapted to determine the projected range of the vehicle based at least partly on the set of parameters and the retrieved information. An automated method of projecting a range of a vehicle includes: generating a set of range projection links; generating a monochrome bitmap based at least partly on the set of range projection links; rendering the set of range projection links within the monochrome bitmap; and tracing the rendered links to generate a polygon outline of the range of the vehicle. An automated method of caching map data for vehicle range projection is described. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278039 | MANAGING FUEL IN AIRCRAFT - A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278040 | VEHICLE DYNAMIC LOAD ESTIMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dynamic load estimation system and method is provided, the system including a tire supporting a vehicle; a vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor for determining a vehicle lateral acceleration and a vehicle longitudinal acceleration; a roll angle calculating model for determining a vehicle roll angle; a roll rate calculating model for determining a vehicle roll rate; a static normal load calculation model for calculating a measured static normal load; and a dynamic tire load estimation model for calculating an estimated dynamic load on the tire from the measured static normal load, the vehicle roll angle, the vehicle roll rate, the vehicle lateral acceleration and the vehicle longitudinal acceleration. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278041 | METHOD TO DETERMINE VEHICLE WEIGHT - A system is provided for determining the current weight of a vehicle and any implement or trailer being towed or carried thereby. The system has an electronic control unit and means to determine the current value of vehicle operating parameters indicative of the current wheel output torque and acceleration of the vehicle. These current parameter values are forwarded to the electronic control unit so that the unit can calculate the current vehicle weight from a predetermined relationship involving wheel output torque, vehicle acceleration and other known current operating parameters of the vehicle. The other known current operating parameters of the vehicle are wheel rolling radius, angle of inclination of the vehicle, gravitational acceleration and rolling resistance of the wheels. When the vehicle includes a hydrostatic mechanical CVT which has a hydraulic drive circuit in which a hydraulic pump supplies pressurised fluid to a hydraulic motor, the level of pressure in the drive circuit provides an indication of the current wheel output torque. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278042 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SHARING A BROADCAST PRESET TABLE BETWEEN A VEHICLE TUNER AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - A method of sharing a preset table between a vehicle infotainment system including a vehicle tuner, memory for storing a first preset table and a broadcast signal receiver that receives a broadcast signal based on the first preset table, and an external device coupled to the vehicle infotainment system, includes storing the first preset table in the memory, the first preset table including first regional information and at least one combination of first station identification information and a first tuning frequency corresponding to the first station identification information, receiving a second preset table from the external device, the second preset table including second regional information and at least one combination of second station identification information and a second tuning frequency corresponding to the second station identification information, comparing the first preset table with the second preset table, and making the first preset table and the second preset table identical, if the first preset table and the second preset table are different. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278043 | TRAFFIC ANALYSIS SYSTEM UTILIZING POSITION BASED AWARENESS - A system and method of analyzing traffic in a vicinity of a first machine is disclosed. The method may include determining, by one or more computer processors, a projected position of the first machine based on a yaw rate and velocity of the first machine. The method may further include determining, by the one or more computer processors, a predicted zone in the vicinity of the first machine based on the projected position of the first machine. The method may further include determining whether a second machine is present in the predicted zone. In response to determining that the second machine is present in the predicted zone, the method may further include determining whether an unsafe condition exists between the first machine and the second machine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278044 | Dynamic Determination of Device Location Reporting Frequency - A mobile device associated with a mobile asset (and a method operating on such a mobile device) determines the location of the mobile asset and reports the location to a tracking server. To conserve power and bandwidth resources, the mobile device reports the current location and movement data of the mobile asset initially and then upon determination of the existence of one or more conditions. Potential conditions that could cause the mobile device to send an update to the server are a change from one road to another, a change in velocity or direction greater than a predetermined threshold, a deviation from an assigned or predicted route, or a difference between a current location and a predicted location. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278045 | ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND GENERATION METHOD OF DYNAMIC DRIVING INFORMATION - An assistance system and a generation method of dynamic driving information, which acquire object information of an ambient object near by a main vehicle to establish an ambient object relation list of the main vehicle, receive an ambient object relation list of an ambient vehicle, and determine object information of the ambient object relation list of the ambient vehicle before being added in the ambient object relation list of the main vehicle, so as to establish a dynamic driving information graph. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278046 | Fire Hydrant Locator for EMT Personnel - A communication system for first responders includes a plurality of mobile communication devices (MCDs) in communication with a global positioning system (GPS) and a cloud database via a wireless link. Software resident in the MCDs provides an application in which first responders can view and input data showing types and locations of emergency incidents, the units assigned, assigned radio channels, the incident status, graphical location, the location of each unit and other data. A sub-program resident on the MCDs permits users to locate and tag fire hydrants and input their locations and water delivery data into the cloud database. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278047 | ENRICHING DRIVING EXPERIENCE WITH CLOUD ASSISTANCE - Described is a technology by which driver safety technology such as collision detection is implemented via mobile device (e.g., smartphone) sensors and a cloud service that processes data received from vehicles associated with the devices. Trajectory-related data is received at the cloud service and used to predict collisions between vehicles and/or lane departures of vehicles. To operate the service in real-time with low latency, also described is dividing driving areas into grids, e.g., based upon traffic density, having parallel grid servers each responsible for only vehicles in or approaching its own grid, and other parallel/distributed mechanisms of the cloud service. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278048 | CALCULATING TIME TO GO AND SIZE OF AN OBJECT BASED ON SCALE CORRELATION BETWEEN IMAGES FROM AN ELECTRO OPTICAL SENSOR - A method for calculating a Time To Go value between a vehicle and an intruding object. First and second images of the object are retrieved at first and second points of time. A scaling factor is selected and the second image scaled with the scale factor. The scaled image is resampled to a set position. Correlation values are calculated between the first image and the resampled scaled image for different horizontal displacements and/or different vertical displacements for the resampled scaled image. A maximum correlation value is found based on the correlation values. Selecting the scaling factor, resampling, calculating the correlation values, and finding the maximum correlation values are repeated a second predetermined number of times. A largest maximum correlation value is found among the maximum correlation values and the scale factor associated with the largest maximum correlation value. The Time To Go is calculated based on the associated scale factor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278049 | Grid-Based Environmental Model for a Vehicle - A sensor system for sensing the environment of a motor vehicle having has an evaluation unit, wherein a grid-based environmental model is calculated and at least one discrete value of environmental data is assigned to each grid cell. Discretization is carried out by comparing the environmental data with at least one threshold value. At least one discrete value of the grid is preferably transmitted via a data transmission system to an evaluation or control unit in the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278050 | METHOD OF CALIBRATING A HEADING REFERENCE SYSTEM - A method of calibrating a vehicle's heading system, such as the attitude heading and reference system of an aircraft or the heading system of a ship, positioned along the Earth's surface involves obtaining both actual and theoretical readings for the magnetometer of the heading system, and comparing these values to obtain calibration values for the heading system which are then averaged to obtain a universal average gain and offset for the magnetometer. The vehicle may be repositioned, such as to North, South, East, and west magnetic headings, with the procedure repeated at each of these headings, and the calibration values averaged, further increasing the accuracy. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278051 | Prediction Engine - 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. In some embodiments, the prediction engine only relies on user-specific data stored on the device on which this engine executes. Alternatively, in other embodiments, it relies only on user-specific data stored outside of the device by external devices/servers. In still other embodiments, the prediction engine relies on user-specific data stored both by the device and by other devices/servers. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278052 | LANE-LEVEL VEHICLE NAVIGATION FOR VEHICLE ROUTING AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - A lane-level vehicle routing and navigation apparatus includes a simulation module that performs microsimulation of individual vehicles in a traffic stream, and a lane-level optimizer that evaluates conditions along the candidate paths from an origin to a destination as determined by the simulation module, and determines recommended lane-level maneuvers along the candidate paths. A link-level optimizer may determines the candidate paths based on link travel times determined by the simulation module. The simulation may be based on real-time traffic condition data. Recommended candidate paths may be provided to delivery or service or emergency response vehicles, or used for evacuation planning, or to route vehicles such as garbage or postal trucks, or snowplows. Corresponding methods also may be used for traffic planning and management, including determining, based on microsimulation, at least one of (a) altered road geometry, (b) altered traffic signal settings, such as traffic signal timing, or (c) road pricing. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278053 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC UPDATE MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A navigation system includes: a location unit configured to calculate a current location for locating a device; a control unit configured to: select a remote target; determine a local navigation route from the current location to a remote location of the remote target for following the remote target; and generate a local augmented reality image with the local navigation route associated with the remote target for displaying on the device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278054 | ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FOR IMPROVED POWER CONSUMPTION AND RESPONSIVENESS IN POSITIONING DEVICES - A system and method for switching a positioning device between using a first positioning technology and using a second positioning technology includes determining a location of the positioning device based on the first positioning technology, determining environment information corresponding to the location of the positioning device, and determining a location of a boundary where switching from the first positioning technology to the second positioning technology should occur. The method also includes switching from the first positioning technology to the second positioning technology prior to the positioning device crossing the boundary. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278055 | UPDATING ROAD MAPS - A technique for updating road maps is disclosed. A number of GPS traces can be matched with a number of roads in a map. Matched GPS traces may be processed by a matched segment module to produce proposed changes to the map. The map can be updated using a map updating module based on the proposed changes from the matched segment module. Unmatched GPS traces may be processed by an unmatched segment module to produce proposed changes to the map. The map can be updated using a map updating module based on the proposed changes from the unmatched segment module. The proposed changes to the map may include metadata defining new roads in the map, new intersections in the map, updates to turn restrictions in the map, updates to the allowable directional traffic flow on the roads within the map, updates to road closures in the map. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278056 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROUTE-SPECIFIC SEARCHING - Systems and methods of route-specific searching are provided. Information about a first location and second location may be processed. The information about the second location may be from a user and may indicate a destination. A first route from the first location to the second location may be identified. A search query may be processed. Search results may be identified, and, a third location corresponding to the search result may be identified. A route from the first location to the third location to the second location may be determined. A deviation of the route with respect to the first route may be determined. A search result may be selected based on the deviation. A map may depict an area including the first location, the second location, and the third location. The route from the first location to the third location to the second location may be indicated. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278057 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CALENDARING EVENTS AND ASSOCIATED REMINDERS - A method and structure for automatically scheduling a meeting and associated reminders in an electronic calendar system combining location, time, traffic, and weather conditions. Calendars and locations of one or more participants invited to a meeting being scheduled are accessed. A participant's location and a corresponding weather, traffic, or other data is checked to determine an anticipated travel time to the meeting, and the participant is advised when the participant must depart for the meeting. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278058 | AUTOMATIC ORIGIN DETERMINATION FOR FASTER ROUTE REQUEST INITIATION AND RESULTING SYSTEM RESPONSE TIME - When a user enters, initializes, or otherwise starts using a navigation function, such as a navigation function on a mobile phone or a stand-alone device, a current location is automatically estimated, prior to or in the absence of a GPS fix, for use as an origin in route determination. The estimation of current location is performed using a database of GPS fixes that are mapped to cell tower identifiers. For example, the database can include one or more fixes associated with each cell tower that the mobile device has used. Thus, when navigation on the device is begun, one or more cell towers to which the device can communicate are identified. If any has a GPS fix in the database, then a location derived from such GPS fix(es) can be used as an origin for navigation functions. Such navigation functions can include estimating a time of arrival at a destination, producing a route to the destination, and checking for traffic updates. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278059 | INTEGRATED NAVIGATION AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS - An integrated navigation and collision avoidance system for a source object may include a navigation module and a collision avoidance module. The collision avoidance module may identify an external object that could possibly collide with the source object. The collision avoidance module may determine a likelihood of collision with the external object based on navigation information received from the navigation module. The navigation module may receive information pertaining to the likelihood of collision determination from the collision avoidance module and determine whether to include collision avoidance information and/or modify navigation instructions to generate a navigation output. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278060 | COLLABORATIVE CREATION OF INDOOR MAPS - This disclosure provides techniques for the creation of maps of indoor spaces. In these techniques, an individual or a team with no mapping or cartography expertise can contribute to the creation of maps of buildings, campuses or cities. An indoor location system can track the location of contributors in the building. As they walk through indoor spaces, an application may automatically create a map based on data from motion sensors by both tracking the location of the contributors and also inferring building features such as hallways, stairways, and elevators based on the tracked contributors' motions as they move through a structure. With these techniques, the process of mapping buildings can be crowd sourced to a large number of contributors, making the indoor mapping process efficient and easy to scale up. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278061 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING, MANAGING, AND FACILITING LOCATION- AND/OR OTHER CRITERIA-DEPENDENT TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR TRANSACTIONS - 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, requirements, and/or preferences. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278062 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN AIRPORT OR HARBOR TRANSPORTATION - The present invention relates to a navigation system for preventing an airplane or a ship carrying freight and passengers from becoming involved in an accident with other transport means. To this end, the navigation system of the present invention includes: a GPS module for obtaining position information on first transport means; an information searching module for searching second transport means positioned a predetermined distance away from the first transport means with reference to the position information and operation schedule of the first transport means; a path creating module for creating a secure path for the first transport means with reference to information on an operation path according to the operation schedules and the position information on the first and second transport means; and a display module for displaying the position information on the first and second transport means. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278063 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ELECTRONIC MAP DISPLAYS WITH POINTS-OF-INTEREST INFORMATION BASED ON REFERENCE LOCATIONS - Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for receiving route information associated with a route having an origination point and a destination point, determining a location of a reference point along the route, assigning a spatial identifier to the reference point, searching for points of interest (POIs) in a search area associated with the spatial identifier, ranking, using a processor, the POIs based on distances of POIs from the location of the reference point, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, wherein the POI information is associated with one or more POIs and selected based on the ranking of the POIs. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278064 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND PROCEDURE FOR PROVIDING ROUTE SUGGESTIONS - An apparatus or web server for assisting a user in selecting a route based on tracked popularity of routes traveled by other users and a desired user activity. The apparatus may include a memory for receiving and storing route data for routes previously traveled by a plurality of users and a processing device coupled with the memory for receiving desired route characteristic information from the user, including a desired activity type, such as running or cycling. The processing device may compare the desired route characteristics information with the route data, suggest at least one of the stored routes to the user based on the comparison, and visually indicate with a color-coded heat map a popularity of the routes suggested based on the comparison. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278065 | System and Method for Distortion Correction in Three-Dimensional Environment Visualization - A method for graphics in a three-dimensional virtual environment corresponding to a physical environment around a vehicle includes photographs in a plurality of directions extending outward from the vehicle, generating sensor data corresponding to a relative distance from the vehicle and a direction from the vehicle of an object in the physical environment, generating a default three-dimensional projection surface centered around a virtual representation of the vehicle in a virtual environment, deforming the three-dimensional projection surface at relative locations and distances corresponding to the sensor data, projecting the plurality of photographs onto the deformed three-dimensional projection surface, and displaying graphics corresponding to the deformed three-dimensional projection surface with the plurality of projected photographs with a display device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278066 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE NAVIGATIONAL AID - A navigational aid including an intelligent display mode and a communication system communicates with a vehicle's sensor system and/or historical- or time-based information to reduce the number of businesses that are displayed on the map by filtering out unneeded or less preferred services. When the vehicle's fuel level sensor detects that the fuel tank is almost empty, a message can be sent from the sensor system to the navigational aid such that the navigational aid can then begin showing a visual indication (e.g., text or graphical information such as an icon) of the location of fuel stations on the screen. Additionally, the location receiver indicates to the filter when the navigational aid is close to the programmed destination. At that point, the filter can be informed that it should start showing garages or areas where the vehicle can be parked without having cluttered the screen with parking garages that were not close to the destination. Similarly, when in need of other services (e.g., hotel or restaurant services), the navigational aid can display preferred brands (while omitting non-preferred brands) and make reservations when a communication system is included which is capable of communicating with the service provider. Additionally, prices or relative prices for the services may also be indicated. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATING USER LOCATION AND FACING DIRECTION ON A DIGITAL MAP - A system and method may indicate a user location and compass direction on a digital map. Map data may be requested from a remote mapping system server using a client computing device. The request may include a geographic area. The map data may be received from the remote mapping system at the client computing device in response to the request. The client computing device may then determine a user location and a user compass direction at the client computing device and render both the user location and the user compass direction within a digital map of the geographic area at the client computing device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278068 | System and Method for Gesture-Based Point of Interest Search - A user, such as the driver of a vehicle, to retrieve information related to a point of interest (POI) near the vehicle by pointing at the POI or performing some other gesture to identify the POI. Gesture recognition is performed on the gesture to generate a target region that includes the POI that the user identified. After generating the target region, information about the POI can be retrieved by querying a server-based POI service with the target region or by searching in a micromap that is stored locally. The retrieved POI information can then be provided to the user via a display and/or speaker in the vehicle. This process beneficially allows a user to rapidly identify and retrieve information about a POI near the vehicle without having to navigate a user interface by manipulating a touchscreen or physical buttons. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278069 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REPRESENTING TIME OF ARRIVAL INFORMATION ON A COCKPIT DISPLAY - A method is provided for displaying information on a display device of an aircraft. The method comprises receiving data indicating a point selected from a trajectory of a flight path; determining an estimated time of arrival minimum and an estimated time of arrival maximum based on the point; and displaying in a dialogue box associated with the trajectory of the flight path the estimated time of arrival minimum and the estimated time of arrival maximum for the point. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278070 | Warning for Frequently Traveled Trips Based on Traffic - 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. In some embodiments, the prediction engine only relies on user-specific data stored on the device on which this engine executes. Alternatively, in other embodiments, it relies only on user-specific data stored outside of the device by external devices/servers. In still other embodiments, the prediction engine relies on user-specific data stored both by the device and by other devices/servers. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278071 | ESTIMATING TIMES TO LEAVE AND TO TRAVEL - In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises obtaining a present location value indicating a present location of a computing device and event data indicating an event location and an event time; determining a route of travel between the present location and the event location for a mode of transportation from the present location to the event location; determining one or more route segments in the route of travel; determining one or more estimated journey times respectively for each of the route segments; adding one or more padding time values to each of the route segments; determining a total travel time based upon the journey times and the padding time values for all of the route segments; determining a recommended time to leave based upon a current time and a difference between the event time and the total travel time; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278072 | VOICE AND TOUCH USER INTERFACE - Various examples are directed to an electronic device capable of touch input through a touch-sensitive surface and/or voice input through a microphone. In some examples, the electronic device may be used in an automobile. For example, some or all of the electronic device may be mounted in a dashboard for use while driving. The electronic device may provide informational content, entertainment content, navigation, and communication features in such a manner that user interaction may be minimized, thus providing a safe driving experience. This can be accomplished by performing tasks and presenting content automatically, without the need for user input, and by allowing user input through voice controls, touch screen controls, and/or physical controls mounted on the dashboard or steering wheel, among other possibilities. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278073 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR GEO-TAGGED PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE AUGMENTED FILES - 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. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278074 | Navigation Using Crowdsourcing Data - Method, computer program product, and apparatus for providing navigation guidance to vehicles are disclosed. The method may include receiving crowdsourcing data from a plurality of vehicles, determining information corresponding to a route of interest to at least one vehicle using the crowdsourcing data, and providing navigation guidance to the at least one vehicle using the information determined. The crowdsourcing data includes on board diagnostics data (OBD) correlated with time stamps and GPS locations of a vehicle, where the on board diagnostics data includes odometer information, speedometer information, fuel consumption information, steering information, and impact data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278075 | System and Method of Determining a Position of a Remote Object - In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods and/or processes may determine a location of a remote object (e.g., a point and/or area of interest, landmark, structure that “looks interesting”, buoy, anchored boat, etc.). For example, the location of a remote object may be determined via a first bearing, at a first location, and a second bearing, at a second location, to the remote object. For instance, the first and second locations can be determined via a position device, such as a global positioning system device. In one or more embodiments, the location of the remote object may be based on the first location, the second location, the first bearing, and the second bearing. For example, the location of the remote object may be provided to a user via a map. For instance, turn-by-turn direction to the location of the remote object may be provided to the user. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278076 | DETERMINING A CRANE TILT ANGLE - In a method for determining a tilt angle of a crane, a portion of the crane is rotated about a pivot point. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver antenna is disposed on the portion of said crane. At least three locations of the GNSS receiver antenna are determined by a GNSS receiver in a geo-referenced coordinate system during the rotating. A tilt angle of the crane based on the at least three locations of said GNSS receiver antenna is determined by a processor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278077 | USING MULTIPLE SOURCES OF LOCATION-AID DATA TO DETERMINE POSITION INFORMATION - A wireless location/position computation system, device, and method are directed to multiple aid-data sources each providing location-related aid information, a wireless device configured to communicate with the aid-data sources, and a location computation module either integrated with or external to the wireless device. The wireless device may include a transceiver to communicate wireless, data and other signals. The wireless device may receive a position request to compute a position of the wireless device, and in response, initiate a compute-position session. In the compute-position session, the wireless device sends aid requests to and retrieves the location-related aid information from the aid-data sources and processes the location-related aid information from the aid-data sources to generate integrated location information. The location computation module may compute the position of the wireless device based on the integrated location information and satellite location information received from a satellite. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278078 | SELF CALIBRATION FOR CRANE GEOMETRY - Methods and systems are disclosed for calibrating a crane for crane geometry. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver antenna is disposed on a point along a boom assembly of the crane, the crane configured to pivot about a pivot point. A working arm of the crane is rotated about the pivot point to at least three different positions. Three locations are determined in a geo-referenced coordinate system of the at least three different positions. A location of the pivot point is determined based on the three locations. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278079 | QIBLA ORIENTATION DEVICE - The Qibla orientation device is a small, hands-free device enabling a user of the device to determine Qibla, or the proper orientation to face the Kaaba in Mecca. The device contains a GPS receiver, magnetic direction sensor, directional indicator lights, audio directional output, and a longitudinally aligned laser projector. The device determines its position on the surface of the earth by the GPS receiver, and its orientation toward the Kaaba according to the location determined and the magnetic direction sensor. Directional lights are provided to orient the user to the left or right for alignment. Audio output is also provided for the visually handicapped. The laser may be activated to project a laser line aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device for determining orientation during initial construction of a mosque or other structure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278080 | METHOD TO SCALE INERTIAL LOCATION DATA USING DIRECTIONAL AND/OR SCALE CONFIDENCE CONSTRAINTS - Methods, systems, and computer readable storage media are presented for directional scaling of inertial path data to satisfy ranging constraints. The presented techniques take into account scaling confidence information. In addition to bounding potential scale corrections based on the reliability of the inertial path and the magnetic heading confidence, the techniques bound potential scale parameters based on constraints and solve for directional scale parameters. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278081 | Parking Information Based on Destination - In one embodiment, a mobile device includes position circuitry and routing algorithms for generating routing instructions from a current position of the mobile device to a destination. The destination is specified in a navigation request and may describe a point-of-interest. A database associates points-of-interest individually or by category with estimated parking durations. The mobile device accesses an estimated parking duration and selects a preferred parking location based on the estimated parking duration. Considerations for selecting the preferred parking location include cost, parking restrictions, and/or distance. For example, the preferred parking location may be the available parking spot that is the least expensive during the estimated parking duration and avoids no parking zones or other time constraints. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278082 | TRACKING TARGET OBJECTS ORBITING EARTH USING SATELLITE-BASED TELESCOPES - A system for tracking objects that are in earth orbit via a constellation or network of satellites having imaging devices is provided. An object tracking system includes a ground controller and, for each satellite in the constellation, an onboard controller. The ground controller receives ephemeris information for a target object and directs that ephemeris information be transmitted to the satellites. Each onboard controller receives ephemeris information for a target object, collects images of the target object based on the expected location of the target object at an expected time, identifies actual locations of the target object from the collected images, and identifies a next expected location at a next expected time based on the identified actual locations of the target object. The onboard controller processes the collected image to identify the actual location of the target object and transmits the actual location information to the ground controller. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278083 | System & Method For Determining A Location Of An Unloaded Unit of Agricultural Product & Locating A Desired Unit Of Agricultural Product - A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system information indicating contact of the unit with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location for desired loading. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278084 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTELLIGENT ACQUISITION OF POSITION INFORMATION - Improved methods and systems for position acquisition and/or monitoring are disclosed. The position acquisition and/or monitoring can be performed with improved intelligence so that data acquisition, transmission and/or processing is reduced. As a result, the position acquisition and/or monitoring is able to be performed in a power efficient manner. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278085 | DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION ROUTE - Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for determining an optimal vehicular transportation route using location based services. A computing device receives a point of origin and destination. The computing device determines a plurality of vehicular transportation routes between the starting point and destination. The computing device also determines an optimal vehicular transportation route included in the plurality of vehicular transportation routes by comparing two vehicular transportation routes included in the plurality of transportation routes that each have a proprietary point of interest within a predetermined distance. Each vehicular transportation route includes the respective proprietary point of interest. Further, each proprietary point of interest is associated with the computing device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278086 | USING HISTORICAL LOCATION DATA TO IMPROVE ESTIMATES OF LOCATION - In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises obtaining, from a calendar database associated with a particular mobile computing device, an event record specifying an event, and a date value and a time value indicating a date and time of the event; obtaining, from a user location history table accessible to a server computer, historical location data specifying a plurality of past geographical locations of the particular mobile computing device; using the server computer, determining, based upon the plurality of past geographical locations of the particular mobile computing device, a predicted location of the event; based upon the predicted location of the event, a current location of the particular mobile computing device, and mode data specifying a particular mode of transportation, calculating a route of travel between the current location and the predicted location and an estimated duration of travel; determining, based upon the date value, time value, route of travel and estimated duration of travel, a recommended time to leave to arrive at the predicted location of the event approximately on time. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278087 | Method and Apparatus for Predicting Times of High Driver Demand - A system includes a processor configured to receive information representing a driver demand level for a plurality of driving locations. The processor is further configured to aggregate the received information to identify likely high driving demand areas. The processor is additionally configured to access stored aggregated driving demand information to identify likely high driving demand areas on a current vehicle route. Also, the processor is configured to provide one or more services to reduce driver inattentiveness and to elevate driver focus during travel within the identified areas, based on upcoming identified likely high driving demand areas. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278088 | Navigation Device - A navigation device includes a map display means for displaying a large-area map screen showing a large-area map and displaying an enlarged map screen showing a partial enlarged map obtained by enlarging a partial region of the large-area map in superposition on the large-area map screen; a speed calculation means for calculating a speed pertaining to movement of the enlarged map screen; an enlarged map creation means for creating an enlarged map obtained by enlarging a predetermined region including the partial region of the large-area map based on vector data of a detailed map obtained by enlarging the large-area map; and a selection means for selecting the partial region as the partial enlarged map when the speed is no lower than a reference speed and selecting a region of the enlarged map, corresponding to the partial region, as the partial enlarged map when the speed is lower than it. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278089 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD BASED ON CALENDAR EVENT - 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. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278090 | Method and Apparatus for Enhanced Driving Experience Including Dynamic POI Identification - A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the vehicle coordinates to geo-fence coordinate sets of a plurality of geo-fences surrounding point of interest (POI), wherein at least a portion of each geo-fence is within some predetermined distance from the vehicle coordinates. The processor is further configured to receive information relating to the POI if the vehicle coordinates fall within the geo-fence coordinates and instruct presentation of the received information to vehicle occupants. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278091 | PLANNING UNDER DESTINATION UNCERTAINTY - 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. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278092 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE ROUTING USING MONETARY COST - A vehicle routing system and method in which routing is based in part on the monetary cost of various candidate routes. The candidate route that has a monetary cost less than a user determined cost parameter is selected as the route to be presented to the user. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278093 | SKETCH AIDED ROUTE SELECTION FOR NAVIGATION DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS - One particular example includes a system, comprising a processor and a memory to store instructions that when executed by the processor performs operations, comprising displaying a map of a first area on a display; receiving an instruction to designate a second area on the map to be avoided; displaying the second area to be avoided on the map; and generating a route from a first point to a second point, where the route does not go through the second area to be avoided. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278094 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING NAVIGATION DATA - Systems and methods for transferring navigation data are provided. A system includes a map module configured to receive, at a first mobile device, the navigation data for navigating from a beginning location to a target destination. The navigation data includes at least one of the target destination, directions from the beginning location to the target destination, and map tiles covering a geographic area comprising the beginning location and the target destination. The system includes an extraction module configured to determine a portion of the navigation data, which includes at least one of the target destination, directions from a current location to the target destination, and a subset of the map tiles that cover a route from the current location to the target destination. The system includes a communications module configured to transmit the portion of the navigation data from the first mobile device to a second mobile device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278095 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWO-STAGE PLANNING - A plan through a space having a near field and a far field is determined. Using a sensor device, measurements of the far field are obtained and stored in an electronic memory. A processor uses the measurements to determine the viability of each far field plan among a plurality of candidate far field plans. The processor also determines a flexibility score for each of the candidate far field plans and selects a composite plan comprising the viable far field plan having a highest flexibility score among the viable candidate far field plans. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278096 | CONCEPTS FOR DEFINING TRAVEL PATHS IN PARKING AREAS - Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278097 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GUIDANCE - Systems and methods for indoor or outdoor environment guidance using mobile applications and communication devices. More specifically, a method implemented in a computer infrastructure is provided for having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: receive at least one indicia at a particular location; obtain information about the particular location from the scanned at least one indicia; generate route information to at least one destination location from the particular location using the obtained information; and overlay the route information on a map. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278098 | Display Control Device, Display Control Method, and Tangible Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Storage Medium - A display control method for displaying an alternative position different from a position of a destination when the position of the destination is unable to be displayed at a specific point in a center of a map as a result of a destination search, acquires, when the alternative position is displayed, a position indication item, which is to be displayed on the map, together with point coordinates, which are associated with the position indication item, from a detailed display database storing the position indication item and the associated point coordinates, and displays the acquired position indication item on the map based on the associated point coordinates. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278099 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEFINING ATTRIBUTES OF ATTENDED DELIVERY/PICKUP LOCATIONS - A computer system for defining attributes associated with attended delivery/pickup locations is described. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable an authorized user (e.g., a manager of an attended delivery/pickup location) to define certain attributes of a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to verify that the particular user is authorized to define the one or more attributes associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., by checking a list of one or more authorized users). The attributes may be: 1) one or more times the particular attended delivery/pickup location is open for individuals to pick up a parcel; and 2) a certain product and/or brand the particular attended delivery location will accept. Once the one or more attributes are defined, in one or more embodiments, the system is configured to accept or reject parcel delivery requests based at least in part on the attributes. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278100 | IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A head- or face-mounted image display device includes an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information, a state information acquisition unit that acquires state information, a guidance information generation unit that generates guidance information for guidance into a state in which the influence of environment is reduced or increased based on at least one piece of environmental information acquired for each state, and a provision unit that provides the guidance information. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278101 | CONCEPTS FOR DEFINING TRAVEL PATHS IN PARKING AREAS - Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278102 | MOTOR VEHICLE IGNITION KEY, MOTOR VEHICLE NAVIGATION DEVICE, MOTOR VEHICLE SYSTEM, AND METHODS - What is described is a motor vehicle ignition key and a method including a movement sensor for detecting the movement of the motor vehicle ignition key, a motor vehicle navigation device, and a method including a calculator for calculating a driving route in dependence of movement data, and a motor vehicle system and a method including a motor vehicle ignition key and a motor vehicle controller. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278103 | Route Search Method - A route search method includes: a step in which the computer generates a first network by, for each of nodes and each of links, generating a plurality of duplicates thereof; a step in which the computer generates a second network by adding first additional links to the first network; and a step in which the computer searches for a route from a duplicate of a node corresponding to the departure point to a duplicate of a node corresponding to the destination point, using the second network. The first additional links are links for which predetermined non negative link costs are set, and in each of which a node of an end point of a duplicate of each of the links is changed to a node of an end point of another duplicate of the each of the links. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278104 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE EMERGENCY RECHARGE ASSISTANCE - A system and method for obtaining an emergency recharge in an electric vehicle is provided. The system may leverage a network of electric vehicle owners and drivers to facilitate a peer-to-peer emergency recharge of an electric vehicle unable to reach a charging station before its energy storage device is depleted. A list of potential rescuers willing to provide portable charging assistance may be generated. Out-of-range rescue vehicles may be filtered from the list. The list of potential rescuers may then be sorted based on drive time to an intercept location. Potential rescuers from the list may be sequentially contacted according to the sort order until a request for portable charging assistance is accepted. Drivers of both the soon to be stranded vehicle and the rescue vehicle may receive route guidance from navigation systems to a mutually agreeable intercept location where the peer-to-peer emergency recharge can take place. | 2014-09-18 |