Showing papers on "Turn-by-turn navigation published in 2010"

Route calculation method for a vehicle navigation system

Abstract: Traffic information, including flow information and incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times. Additional route calculation techniques allow the incorporation of historical traffic information or the use of the most recent traffic information if incomplete traffic information is available. Still further route calculation techniques may calculate a best route by avoiding zigzagging or evaluating an assigned cost of a potential route.

Tactile Wayfinder : comparison of tactile waypoint navigation with commercial pedestrian navigation systems

Abstract: In this paper we report on a field study comparing a commercial pedestrian navigation system to a tactile navigation system called Tactile Wayfinder. Similar to previous approaches the Tactile Wayfinder uses a tactile torso display to present the directions of a route's waypoints to the user. It advances those approaches by conveying the location of the next two waypoints rather than the next one only, so the user already knows how the route continues when reaching a waypoint. Using a within-subjects design, fourteen participants navigated along two routes in a busy city centre with the Tactile Wayfinder and a commercial pedestrian navigation system. We measured the acquisition of spatial knowledge, the level of attention the participants had to devote to the navigation task, and the navigation performance. We found that the Tactile Wayfinder freed the participants' attention but could not keep up with the navigation system in terms of navigation performance. No significant difference was found in the acquisition of spatial knowledge. Instead, a good general sense of direction was highly correlated with good spatial knowledge acquisition and a good navigation performance.

Indoor navigation system for visually impaired

Abstract: One of the most important limitations for people with visual impairment is the inability of unassisted navigation and orientation in unfamiliar buildings. An low-cost indoor navigation system, which is based on mobile terminals, supporting technology Near Field Communication (NFC), and Java program access to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, is developed. The proposed navigation system enables users to imagine the map of the rooms (dimensions, relative position of points of interest). This information is stored in RFID tags in WAP Binary eXtensible Markup Language (WBXML) format. The system allows leaving audio messages that are recorded in RFID tags in Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) format. Voice enabled navigation, that is familiar to users with visual disabilities, is used.

RFID and GPS integrated navigation system for the visually impaired

Abstract: This paper describes an RFID and GPS integrated navigation system, Smart-Robot (SR) for the visually impaired. The SR uses RFID and GPS based localization while operating indoor and outdoor respectively. The portable terminal unit is an embedded system equipped with an RFID reader, GPS, and analog compass as input devices to obtain location and orientation. The SR can guide the user to a predefined destination, or create a new route on-the-fly for later use. While in navigation mode, the SR reaches the destination by avoiding obstacles using ultrasonic and infrared sensor inputs. The SR also provides user feedback through a speaker, and vibrating motors on the glove. The SR prototype has been successfully implemented and is operational.

Field-Based Validation of a Tactile Navigation Device

Abstract: In this paper, we present three field-based evaluations of a tactile land navigation system. In Experiment 1, we transition from a laboratory setting to rugged terrain used to train US Army soldier land navigation. Navigation in this challenging terrain requires careful attention to one's surroundings. Participants navigated 3 waypoints along 600 meters through heavily wooded terrain, using 1) map and compass, 2) standard alpha-numeric handheld GPS device, and 3) the tactile GPS system, while also responding to radio requests for information. Experiment 2 used the same challenging terrain during night operations, where participants must also search for live and silhouette targets, using 1) handheld GPS device, 2) head-mounted map-based GPS, and 3) the tactile GPS system. In addition to navigating, participants searched for silhouette and live (human) targets. Experiment 3 had participants navigate with 1) a commercial GPS arrow display, 2) the tactile GPS system, and 3) both together. We conclude that tactile navigation displays can be used in strenuous outdoor environments and can outperform visual displays under conditions of high cognitive and visual workload.

System and method of sending an arrival time estimate

Abstract: Aspects provide for a navigation function implemented on a device that has a communication capability (e.g., a mobile phone) in which the navigation function automatically sends an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) to a contact associated with a destination selected for navigation purposes. For example, when a user activates a navigation function on his mobile phone, and selects a destination for which a route will be generated from his current location to the destination, a contact phone number associated with that destination will be sent a Short Message System (SMS) message with the calculated ETA. Provisions can be made for automatic updates as the route is traveled. Other information pertaining to the reasons for the ETA can be selected or automatically generated by the navigation function.

"I did it my way": moving away from the tyranny of turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation

Abstract: In this article we describe a novel approach to pedestrian navigation using bearing-based haptic feedback. People are guided in the general direction of their destination via vibration, but additional exploratory navigation is stimulated by varying feedback based on the potential for taking alternative routes. We describe two mobile prototypes that were created to examine the possible benefits of the approach. The successful use of this exploratory navigation method is demonstrated in a realistic field trial, and we discuss the results and interesting participant behaviours that were recorded.

System and method of automatic destination selection

Abstract: 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 destination is automatically selected for route generation and production of a navigation output (e.g., an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at the destination). The destination can be selected based on current proximity to a location having an associated pre-defined destination. Such pre-defined destination can be associated with the location by the user. A time of day criteria can also be imposed. In one example, locations proximate a work place can be associated with home as a pre-defined destination, and vice versa. A time of day criteria can be imposed, such that even if proximate work and it is in the morning, a route and ETA to home will not be generated.

Method for the display of navigation instructions using an augmented-reality concept

Abstract: A method with which navigation instructions are displayed on a screen. Preferably, using an augmented-reality approach whereby the path to the destination and 3D mapping objects such as buildings and landmarks are highlighted on a video feed of the surrounding environment ahead of the user. The invention is designed to run within embodiments the likes of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smartphones or in-dash vehicle infotainment systems, displaying in real-time a video feed of the path ahead while superimposing transparent cartographic information with navigation instructions. The aim is to improve the user's navigation experience by making it easier to relate to the real world with 3D maps and representative navigation instructions. This method makes it safer to view the navigation screen and the user can locate landmarks, narrow streets and the final destination more easily.

Personalized navigation through virtual 3d environments

Abstract: Personalized navigation technique embodiments are presented that generally involve providing personalized navigation through a virtual three-dimensional (3D) environment. In one general embodiment this is accomplished by inputting a representation of a virtual 3D environment that is to be navigated, along with a number of user specified navigation preferences, and outputting a customized navigation experience. This navigation experience is produced by first establishing a path through the virtual 3D environment, and then optionally controlling the behavior of a virtual camera which reveals the virtual 3D environment to the user as the user traverses the path. Both the path and the virtual camera behavior are personalized to a user based on the aforementioned navigation preferences.

Generating attribute models for use in adaptive navigation systems

Abstract: Adaptive navigation techniques are disclosed that allow navigation systems to learn from a user's personal driving history. As a user drives, models are developed and maintained to learn or otherwise capture the driver's personal driving habits and preferences. Example models include road speed, hazard, favored route, and disfavored route models. Other attributes can be used as well, whether based on the user's personal driving data or driving data aggregated from a number of users. The models can be learned under explicit conditions (e.g., time of day/week, driver ID) and/or under implicit conditions (e.g., weather, drivers urgency, as inferred from sensor data). Thus, models for a plurality of attributes can be learned, as well as one or more models for each attribute under a plurality of conditions. Attributes can be weighted according to user preference. The attribute weights and/or models can be used in selecting a best route for user.

Edge navigation user interface

Abstract: A user interface for a touch-screen display of a computing device is described. The user interface has an edge navigation feature designed to facilitate navigation through digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to user input received via the touch-screen display. This navigation may be to an arbitrary point within the content, or to previously defined bookmarks. The user interface provides a representation of a virtual edge of the content object, such as a book or album. Presentation of this virtual edge, overlaid with bookmark indicators, allows the user to spatially visualize the position of content within the book, and select a desired location or bookmark.

Video player with assisted seek.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method provides a user interface for users to navigate through a video content item with various navigation options including the ability to navigate through portions of the video content item not buffered at the user's viewer. The navigation method receives gestures from users that result in navigation.

System for guidance and navigation in a building

Abstract: A system for guidance and navigation in a building For example, the system may determine a route for egress or rescue of one or more people from a building with a hazardous condition The system may process the route into waypoints and segments developed within a set of constraint rules Semantic information about the building may be associated with the waypoints and/or segments The waypoints and segments may be processed into navigation commands The navigation commands may be formed in natural language from sentence templates The system may additionally have 3D beacon audio to assist in guidance and navigation of the one or more people in the building

Multi-modal navigation system and method

Abstract: One or more embodiments may include a multi-modal navigation system and method. Route information may be received for generating a navigation route which may comprise multiple modes of transportation to a destination. GPS data may also be received. The navigation route to the destination across the multiple modes of transportation may be determined. The route may be updated as the route is traversed. The navigation route across the multiple modes of transportation may be output based on the GPS data.

Human emotion metrics for navigation plans and maps

Abstract: An enhanced navigation system allowing navigation route and destination planning according to user-specified criteria for the emotion state of persons along the route, at the destination, or both. The enhancement is accomplished by receiving a set of human emotion metrics corresponding to one or more parts of a navigation plan; determining if the human emotion metrics meet one or more user-specified criteria; responsive to not meeting the criteria, determining an alternate navigation plan until the user-specified criteria are met; and responsive to the criteria being met, presenting the navigation plan to the user for laying into a navigation system, and optionally during execution of the navigation plan updating the received human emotion metrics; repeating the determination against the user-specified criteria; and repeating the steps of determining an alternate navigation plan and presentation to a user responsive to the updated human emotion metrics not meeting the user-specified criteria.

Assisted guidance navigation

Abstract: A navigation system helps users navigate through an environment by a plurality of sensors. The sensors include one or both of short and long range sensors that detect objects within the user's environment. Information obtained from the sensors' detection of objects within the user's environment can be used to help the user avoid colliding with objects within the environment and help navigate the user to a destination. The navigation system may provide the user with audible feedback regarding the objects with the user's environment and/or instructions regarding how to avoid colliding with an object and how to navigate to a destination.

Navigation system and route planning method using the same

Abstract: A route planning method for a navigation system of a moving object. The method comprises planning and executing a first navigation route; labeling lane entrances in a road corresponding to a substitute navigation route according to a location of the moving object when traffic information is detected, and planning and executing a second navigation route according to the lane entrance.

Apparatus and method for navigation in digital object using gaze information of user

Abstract: A digital object navigation apparatus and method using gaze information of a user is provided. The digital object navigation apparatus may collect gaze information and gesture information of the user, may determine navigation information with respect to a digital object including a zoom rate, a rendering quality, or an intensity of an annotation, and may navigate in the digital object. The user may navigate in the digital object by only gazing without separate manipulation.

INSIGHT: RFID and Bluetooth enabled automated space for the blind and visually impaired

Abstract: In this paper we introduce INSIGHT, an indoor location tracking and navigation system to help the blind and visually impaired to easily navigate to their chosen destination in a public building. INSIGHT makes use of RFID and Bluetooth technology deployed within the building to locate and track the users. The PDA based user device interacts with INSIGHT server and provides the user navigation instructions in an audio form. The proposed system provides multi-resolution localization of the users, facilitating the provision of accurate navigation instructions when the user is in the vicinity of the RFID tags as well as accommodating a PANIC button which provides navigation instructions when the user is anywhere in the building. Moreover, the system will continuously monitor the zone in which the user walks. This will enable the system to identify if the user is located in the wrong zone of the building which may not lead to the desired destination.

The Effects of Acoustic Turn-by-turn Navigation on Wayfinding

Abstract: This study examined the impact of using an acoustic turn-by-turn navigation device on wayfinding. Participants used a driving simulator to traverse the same route twice. They either traveled both t...

Acquisition of navigation assistance information for a mobile station

Abstract: Navigation assistance information for a mobile station is acquired based on a feature descriptor of an image of a visual beacon captured by the mobile station. The navigation assistance information includes locations of neighboring visual beacons, locations of wireless positioning resources; user environmental context information. The navigation assistance information may then be used to assist in navigating within the local environment. The visual beacon may be an artificial feature, such as a QR code or other type of matrix or bar code or a natural feature, such as a statute or architectural detail. The mobile station may request navigation assistance by transmitting the feature descriptor to a server. The server retrieves the navigation assistance information from a database based on the feature descriptor and optionally location information, which may also be provided in the navigation assistance request, and transmits the navigation assistance information to the mobile station.

Navigation device with alternative navigation instructions

Abstract: There is provided a navigation device, the navigation device operable to calculate routes to one or more destinations, the device further operable to provide a navigation instruction together with an alternative navigation instruction. There is also provided a method of providing navigation instructions for a navigation device, the method comprising the steps of (i) calculating routes to one or more destinations, (ii) providing a navigation instruction together with an alternative navigation instruction. There is also provided a computer program product operable to execute on a navigation device, the computer program product operable to calculate routes to one or more destinations, the computer program product further operable to provide a navigation instruction together with an alternative navigation instruction.

Synchronizing web browsing data with Browserver

Abstract: People spend a lot of time navigating on the web. When moving from one computer device to another, it would be useful to have access to the navigation data produced in the previous web session. In this article, a synchronization service of navigation data, called Browserver, is presented. It is responsible for keeping user navigation information (tabs, history, forms, cookies, etc.) so that it can be recovered from any device connected to the Internet. Finally, Browserver performance is compared to a similar service, according to hardware and network consumption metrics.

User experiences with activity-based navigation on mobile devices

Abstract: We introduce activity-based navigation, which uses human activities derived from sensor data to help people navigate, in particular to retrace a "trail" previously taken by that person or another person. Such trails may include step counts, walking up/down stairs or taking elevators, compass directions, and photos taken along a user's path, in addition to absolute positioning (GPS and maps) when available. To explore the user experience of activity-based navigation, we built Greenfield, a mobile device interface for finding a car. We conducted a ten participant user study comparing users' ability to find cars across three different presentations of activity-based information as well as verbal instructions. Our results show that activity-based navigation can be used for car finding and suggest its promise more generally for supporting navigation tasks. We present lessons for future activity-based navigation interfaces, and motivate further work in this space, particularly in the area of robust activity inference.

Comparing the effectiveness of GPS-enhanced voice guidance for pedestrians with metric- and landmark-based instruction sets

Abstract: This paper reports on a field experiment comparing two different kinds of verbal turn instructions in the context of GPS-based pedestrian navigation. The experiment was conducted in the city of Salzburg with 20 participants. Both instruction sets were based on qualitative turn direction concepts. The first one was enhanced with metric distance information and the second one was enhanced with landmark-anchored directions gathered from participants of a previous field experiment. The results show that in context of GPS-enhanced pedestrian navigation both kinds of instruction sets lead to similar navigation performance. Results also demonstrate that effective voice-only guidance of pedestrians in unfamiliar environments at a minimal error rate and without stopping the walk is feasible. Although both kinds of instructions lead to similar navigation performance, participants clearly preferred landmark-enhanced instructions.

Enhancing driving navigation via passive drivers feedback

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an enhanced navigation system for generating turn-by-turn directions. More specifically, according to an aspect of the invention, the navigation system receives and interprets feedback in order to assist the user in following the turn-by-turn directions. For example, a navigation device may identify the next action to be taken, determine whether the driver is taking appropriate steps to perform the action, and provide feedback to the driver when necessary to remind the driver to take the next action.

Pointing for non-visual orientation and navigation

Abstract: People who have visual impairments may have difficulties navigating freely and without personal assistance, and some are even afraid to go out alone. Current navigation devices with non-visual feedback are quite expensive, few, and are in general focused on routing and target finding. We have developed a test prototype application running on the Android platform in which a user may scan for map information using the mobile phone as a pointing device to orient herself and to choose targets for navigation and be guided to them. It has previously been shown in proof of concept studies that scanning and pointing to get information about different locations, or to use it to be guided to a point, can be useful. In the present study we describe the design of PointNav, a prototype navigational application, and report initial results from a recent test with visually impaired and sighted users.

Method and apparatus for displaying three-dimensional route guidance

Abstract: This invention relates to a route displaying method and apparatus in a navigation system. More specifically, this invention relates to a navigation-based apparatus and method to display a complete route presented in three-dimension. The navigation system may include a map adjusting unit to adjust visual ground of the map for the user. In one embodiment, the map adjusting unit can adjust the visual ground area convexly, so that the user can view the full route including the destination. In another embodiment, the map adjusting unit may adjust the visual ground area concavely to present more surrounding details of the vehicle to the user. The navigation system may also include a wireless communication device to retrieve the most current map and traffic information from a remote server, and communicatively couple with the map adjusting unit and a route generating unit to provide the most updated information with full route view to the user. The navigation system may also be integrated into a portable device such as a smartphone.

Navigation device, route-search server, and route-search system

Abstract: A server device 1 included in the route-search system 7 comprises a guided-navigation-route-search section 130 for searching a route starting from a departure point and reaching a destination; and a preparatory-route-search section 140 for searching a preparatory route in view of a possible deviation of the vehicle from a navigation route. The server device 1 transmits information on the navigation route and the preparatory route to the navigation device 2. When detecting the deviation of the vehicle, the navigation device 2 selects one of preparatory routes having nodes closest to the current position of the vehicle. The navigation device 2 searches a supplementary route connecting the current position of the vehicle to the nodes, and combines the preparatory route with the supplementary route to create a new route for continuing navigating the vehicle to the destination.