Mitsuhiro Nimura

Bio: Mitsuhiro Nimura is an academic researcher from Toyota. The author has contributed to research in topics: Navigation system & Display device. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 37 publications receiving 2345 citations.

Navigation system for vehicles

Abstract: A navigation system including a present-position sensing system for sensing a present position; information storage medium for storing map information; an input device for entering into the system the destination, a roundabout point, a bypass, and the location desired to be traversed for entry of input indicating the execution of a route search from the present position sensed by the present-position sensing system to the destination; an output device for outputting information route guidance; and a central processing unit including a route searching capability for searching for a route to the destination; a route storage capability for provisionally storing the identified route; and route guidance control for sending a signal for performing route guidance to the output device. When the roundabout point or bypass is entered in the system, a search cost for roads and intersections near to the roundabout point or bypass is raised so that route search processing can be performed. When the location desired to be traversed is set, roads near to the location desired to be traversed are retrieved for search purposes. In travel guidance, a present-position mark is displayed in either a continuous mode or a blinking mode depending on the state of travel.

Map display device and a recording medium

Abstract: A map display device is presented including an information memory device for storing map data, a display device for displaying a map based on map data stored in the information memory device, and a display control device, which has a coordinate transformation device for transforming coordinates on a curved plane into coordinates on a projected plane, for controlling the readout of map data from the information memory device and the map display on the display device. The display control device relates coordinates on the map to coordinates on the curved plane with respect to a coordinate transformation reference point, transforms coordinates on the curved plane into coordinates on the projected plane using the coordinate transformation device, and displays a map on the display device by using the coordinates transformed on the projected plane. Therefore, the device enables a driver to obtain the same sense of distance unaffected by the direction by using the present position. A map of the vicinity of the present position is displayed over a wide area.

Vehicular navigation apparatus with help function

Abstract: A vehicular navigation apparatus, which is equipped with a help function, for outputting guidance information for travel to a desired destination includes an input unit (1) having desired destination input means (6), present position input means (7) and help function input means (9), a memory unit (4) for sorting desired destination information, and a display unit (3) for outputting the guidance information in response to input information from the input unit, wherein the memory unit (4) is provided with a non-volatile RAM (16), with necessary information being saved in an area of the non-volatile RAM when a help function is called by the help function input means (9). Help function items are provided for the following occasions: when the driver wishes to input or change a departure point and then depart from that point; when the driver wishes to change a desired destination while en route to a formerly set destination; when the driver strays off course while en route to a desired destination and cannot determine his present position without returning to the point at which the vehicle went off course; when a course cannot be travelled because of road construction or the like; when traffic becomes heavy and the driver wishes to change from one route to another to avoid congestion, and when the driver wishes to temporarily leave the course and then return to the course at the same point.

Vehicle navigation apparatus and storage medium

Abstract: A navigation apparatus reduces route search time while providing guidance in conformity with drivers' preferences, by selectively conducting either a full-range route search or a more limited, local area search, in accordance with detected conditions and responsive to occurrence of an off-route event. For example, the full-range route search is conducted pursuant to a determination that the vehicle has gone straight at a predetermined number of certain intersections where current guidance has directed a turn.

Vehicle route guidance apparatus for researching for a route when vehicle goes out of route

Abstract: A route guidance section compares the current position provided by a current position determination section and the route provided by a route calculation section for detecting an off-route condition. When the off-route condition is detected, a researching key as well as the route and current place is displayed on a display section. When the researching key is touched, a search is again made for a new route from the current position to the destination. Then, route guidance is again started in response to the researching result. When the researching key is not touched, the route and current place continue to be displayed while the vehicle carrying the apparatus travles off route, thereby efficiently preventing the apparatus from executing unnecessary researching when the driver drives the vehicle off route on purpose.

Travel reservation information and planning system

Abstract: Computerized travel reservation information and planning system that generates "map ticket" output in various media, for guidance and transactions en route. Such print or electronic documents can include bar or alphanumeric codes for automated recognition and/or access. WHERE?, WHO/WHAT?, WHEN? and HOW? menus enable flexible user inquiries accessing selectable geographic, topical, temporal and transactional data records and relational processing. Sub-menus provide further capabilities: e.g. routing, topical searching; searches of events calendars, almanacs, appointment books, related itinerary scheduling; trip budgeting issues, plus travel arrangement availabilities or other goods/services offers. Online communications links access updated or supplemental information on places, times, topics and other provider goods/service offers. Online computer-aided routing system enables input of selectable travel origin, destination, and waypoints to compute travel routes, available transportation services, costs, options, and schedules. A point-of-interest database lets users pick types of attractions or accommodations within a user-selected region around routes of travel. Users engage in an iterative planning process, revising or editing travel plans, previewing travelogs of alternate routes, selecting point of interest parameters, comparing times and costs of transportation options, in order to achieve a satisfactory travel plan. The system provides printed or electronic output that may include any one or more of text itinerary, ordered set of travel maps, customized collection of information on points of interest information and a selected array of valid reservation confirmations, tickets and/or discount coupons coded with elements for automated recognition and processing. Mobile users, including GPS-linked users, can access the system via wireless communication units.

Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method

Abstract: An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a video cassette recorder (VCR), medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

Digital mapping system

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and apparatus for implementing aspects of a digital mapping system are disclosed. One such method includes sending a location request from a client-side computing device to a map tile server, receiving a set of map tiles in response to the location request, assembling said received map tiles into a tile grid, aligning the tile grid relative to a clipping shape, and displaying the result as a map image. One apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes means for sending a location request from a client-side computing device to a map tile server, means for receiving a set of map tiles in response to the location request, means for assembling said received map tiles into a tile grid, means for aligning the tile grid relative to a clipping shape, and means for displaying the result as a map image. Such an apparatus may further include direction control or zoom control objects as interactive overlays on the displayed map image, and may also include route or location overlays on the map image.

Information input and output system, method, storage medium, and carrier wave

Abstract: A coordinate input device detects coordinates of a position by indicating a screen of a display device with fingers of one hand, and transfers information of the detected coordinates to a computer through a controller The computer receives an operation that complies with the detected coordinates, and executes the corresponding processing For example, when it is detected that two points on the screen have been simultaneously indicated, an icon registered in advance is displayed close to the indicated position

Mobile communication device

Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.