Showing papers on "Turn-by-turn navigation published in 2012"

Eco-Routing Navigation System Based on Multisource Historical and Real-Time Traffic Information

Abstract: Due to increased public awareness on global climate change and other energy and environmental problems, a variety of strategies are being developed and used to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of roadway travel. In advanced traveler information systems, recent efforts have been made in developing a new navigation concept called “eco-routing,” which finds a route that requires the least amount of fuel and/or produces the least amount of emissions. This paper presents an eco-routing navigation system that determines the most eco-friendly route between a trip origin and a destination. It consists of the following four components: 1) a Dynamic Roadway Network database, which is a digital map of a roadway network that integrates historical and real-time traffic information from multiple data sources through an embedded data fusion algorithm; 2) an energy/emissions operational parameter set, which is a compilation of energy/emission factors for a variety of vehicle types under various roadway characteristics and traffic conditions; 3) a routing engine, which contains shortest path algorithms used for optimal route calculation; and 4) user interfaces that receive origin-destination inputs from users and display route maps to the users. Each of the system components and the system architecture are described. Example results are also presented to prove the validity of the eco-routing concept and to demonstrate the operability of the developed eco-routing navigation system. In addition, current limitations of the system and areas for future improvements are discussed.

An Indoor Navigation System for the Visually Impaired

Abstract: Navigation in indoor environments is highly challenging for the severely visually impaired, particularly in spaces visited for the first time. Several solutions have been proposed to deal with this challenge. Although some of them have shown to be useful in real scenarios, they involve an important deployment effort or use artifacts that are not natural for blind users. This paper presents an indoor navigation system that was designed taking into consideration usability as the quality requirement to be maximized. This solution enables one to identify the position of a person and calculates the velocity and direction of his movements. Using this information, the system determines the user's trajectory, locates possible obstacles in that route, and offers navigation information to the user. The solution has been evaluated using two experimental scenarios. Although the results are still not enough to provide strong conclusions, they indicate that the system is suitable to guide visually impaired people through an unknown built environment.

Predicting user navigation events

Abstract: A method and system for predicting a next navigation event are described. Aspects of the disclosure minimize the delay between a navigation event and a network response by predicting the next navigation event. The system and method may then prerender content associated with the next navigation event. For example, the method and system may predict a likely next uniform resource locator during web browsing to preemptively request content from the network before the user selects the corresponding link on a web page. The methods describe a variety of manners of predicting the next navigation event, including examining individual and aggregate historical data, text entry prediction, and cursor input monitoring.

Navigation application with adaptive display of graphical directional indicators

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a navigation application. The navigation application includes an interface for receiving data describing junctures along a route from a first location to a second location. The data for each juncture comprises a set of angles at which roads leave the juncture. The navigation application includes a juncture simplifier for simplifying the angles for the received junctures. The navigation application includes an arrow generator for generating at least two different representations of the simplified juncture. The representations are for use in displaying navigation information describing a maneuver to perform at the juncture during the route. The navigation application includes an arrow selector for selecting one of the different representations of the simplified juncture for display according to a context in which the representation will be displayed.

The user as a sensor: navigating users with visual impairments in indoor spaces using tactile landmarks

Abstract: Indoor navigation systems for users who are visually impaired typically rely upon expensive physical augmentation of the environment or expensive sensing equipment; consequently few systems have been implemented. We present an indoor navigation system called Navatar that allows for localization and navigation by exploiting the physical characteristics of indoor environments, taking advantage of the unique sensing abilities of users with visual impairments, and minimalistic sensing achievable with low cost accelerometers available in smartphones. Particle filters are used to estimate the user's location based on the accelerometer data as well as the user confirming the presence of anticipated tactile landmarks along the provided path. Navatar has a high possibility of large-scale deployment, as it only requires an annotated virtual representation of an indoor environment. A user study with six blind users determines the accuracy of the approach, collects qualitative experiences and identifies areas for improvement.

The normal natural troubles of driving with GPS

Abstract: In-car GPS based satellite navigation systems are now a common part of driving, providing turn-by-turn navigation instructions on smartphones, portable units or in-car dashboard navigation systems. This paper uses interactional analysis of video data from fifteen naturalistically recorded journeys with GPS to understand the navigational practices deployed by drivers and passengers. The paper documents five types of 'trouble' where GPS systems cause issues and confusion for drivers around: destinations, routes, maps & sensors, timing and relevance and legality. The paper argues that to design GPS systems better we need to move beyond the notion of a docile driver who follows GPS command blindly, to a better understanding of how drivers, passengers and GPS systems work together. We develop this in discussing how technology might better support 'instructed action'.

Providing navigation instructions while operating navigation application in background

Abstract: A method of displaying navigational instructions when a navigation application is running in a background mode of an electronic device is provided. The method displays a non-navigation application in the foreground on a display screen of the electronic device. The method displays a navigation bar without a navigation instruction when the device is not near a navigation point. The method displays the navigation bar with a navigation instruction when the device is near a navigation point. In some embodiments, the method receives a command to switch from running the navigation application in the foreground to running another screen view in the foreground. The method then runs the other screen view in the foreground while displaying a navigation status display on an electronic display of the device.

PocketNavigator: studying tactile navigation systems in-situ

Abstract: In this paper, we report about a large-scale in-situ study of tactile feedback for pedestrian navigation systems. Recent advances in smartphone technology have enabled a number of interaction techniques for smartphone that use tactile feedback to deliver navigation information. The aim is to enable eyes-free usage and avoid distracting the user from the environment. Field studies where participants had to fulfill given navigation tasks, have found these techniques to be efficient and beneficial in terms of distraction. But it is not yet clear whether these findings will replicate in in-situ usage. We, therefore, developed a Google Maps-like navigation application that incorporates interaction techniques proposed in previous work. The application was published for free on the Android Market and so people were able to use it as a navigation system in their everyday life. The data collected through anonymous monitoring suggests that tactile feedback is successfully adopted in one third of all trips and has positive effects on the user's level of distraction.

Conveyance mode aware navigation device

Abstract: A computer determines an optimal route to a destination. The computer identifies the present position of a navigation device with a user selecting a destination. The computer acquires current information comprising road, business hour, traffic congestion patterns, a plurality of conveyance modes, and time buffer information relative to the present position and the selected destination to store in the memory. A route identification unit identifies, from the acquired current information, an optimal route from the current position to the selected destination. The computer stores the acquired information in the memory of the navigation device and identifies an optimal route from the current position to the selected destination.

Route selection employing metrics

Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in a mobile electronic device providing navigation functionality to facilitate selection of a route to a destination from multiple route options. In one or more implementations, route selection information is displayed on a display of the mobile electronic device to facilitate selection of a route to a destination. The route selection information describes one or more routes to the destination and includes one or more metrics, associated with each route, that identify a characteristic of the route (e.g., a difficulty rating, topography, total climb distance, number of turns, and so on). A map may then be displayed on the display to furnish navigation information for the selected route to facilitate navigation to the destination.

Adaptable navigation device

Abstract: The described method and system provide for adaptable GPS navigation based on road and traffic conditions. A method includes: receiving input front a user designating a destination; determining a calculated route from a starting point to the destination; and presenting turn-by-turn (TBT) directions based on the route, wherein the presenting of the TBT directions includes presenting conditions information received from an external source. The conditions information can be used during route calculation and can be updated while the user is traveling on the calculated route.

Intelligent navigation system

Abstract: An intelligent navigation system navigates a motor vehicle according to real-time road conditions and maneuverability conditions. The intelligent navigation system predicts and corrects potential route deviations before they actually occur. The intelligent navigation system interacts with the maneuverability of a motor vehicle, such that it can navigate the motor vehicle with very little to no human intervention. The intelligent navigation system may embody a method comprising the steps of receiving, from an input device, destination information related to a destination to be reached by the motor vehicle; receiving, from a positioning device, initial location information related to an initial location of the motor vehicle; determining, using a processor, a task for maneuvering the motor vehicle from the initial location to the destination; and instructing, using the processor, a vehicle maneuver controller to implement the task.

A Real-Time Vehicle Navigation Algorithm in Sensor Network Environments

Abstract: In a large-scale wireless sensor traffic network, collecting and processing of the global real-time traffic information are often unreliable. Making real-time navigation decision becomes an arduous task. To address this issue, an efficient wireless-sensor-network-based real-time vehicle navigation algorithm is proposed, in which multiple local traffic information is considered to make a navigation decision in a quick and accurate way. At the same time, a general distance metric is defined for the processing of both exact and fuzzy data. In addition, the algorithm can provide various navigation decisions according to the choice of different attributes to meet the diverse navigation requirements of drivers. Simulation results show the suitability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

Navigation systems and vehicles for providing traffic information pertaining to pre-defined locations of interest

Abstract: Navigation systems and vehicles for providing traffic information pertaining to pre-defined locations of interest are provided. A navigation system or a vehicle may present a traffic location input control on a display of the navigation system or vehicle, detect a tactile input indicative of a selection of a traffic location icon shown on the display, and automatically provide traffic information pertaining to a location of interest associated with the selected traffic location icon. A navigation system or a vehicle may determine a route between a current position and the farther of a first pre-defined location of interest and a second pre-defined location of interest, provide traffic information pertaining to the determined route, and deactivate turn-by-turn navigation.

Methods and systems for displaying enhanced turn-by-turn guidance on a personal navigation device

Abstract: Embodiment methods and systems enable personal navigation devices to warn drivers during turn-by-turn navigation directions when they are approaching a difficult turn. Personal navigation devices may report to a server when a turn is missed during turn-by-turn directions, including identifying the turn and situation information. The server may aggregate missed turn reports from many personal navigation devices to generate a difficult turn database. Personal navigation devices may access the difficult turn database when generating turn-by-turn directions to identify turns requiring enhanced directions. The difficult turn database may be stored on personal navigation devices, and/or may be maintained on the server. Personal navigation devices may be configured to recognize when turns are intentionally missed, and only report missed turns when they determined that the turn was missed unintentionally. Indications of turn difficulty may be correlated to situation information received in missed turn reports to more accurately reflect when turns are difficult.

Can Active Navigation Be as Good as Driving? A Comparison of Spatial Memory in Drivers and Backseat Drivers

Abstract: When driving a vehicle, either the driver or a passenger (henceforth: backseat driver) may be responsible for navigation. Research on active navigation, primarily addressed in virtual environments, suggests that controlling navigation is more central for spatial learning than controlling movement. To test this assumption in a real-world scenario, we manipulated movement control through seating participants in the front or the back position of a tandem bike, and navigation control by presenting differently detailed maps to participants unfamiliar (Experiment 1) or familiar (Experiment 2) with an environment. Landmark knowledge was tested with recognition tasks. For participants unfamiliar with the environment (Experiment 1), passive navigation enabled better landmark recognition than active navigation, but there was no effect of movement control. For participants more familiar with the environment (Experiment 2), there was no effect of navigation control, but drivers showed better landmark recognition than backseat drivers. These findings are discussed in relation to action memory research. Measures of route and survey knowledge demonstrated that good performance resulted from active navigation (Experiment 1-2). Moreover, with regard to these measures, driving compensated for passive navigation if the environment was familiar (Experiment 2). An additional experiment in a lab setting (Experiment 3) validated the manipulation of navigation control and the used tasks and demonstrated the importance of real environment exposure. As our findings suggest, driving may be more relevant for remembering landmarks, but actively controlling navigation (even as a backseat driver) is more relevant for remembering a route than maneuvering a vehicle. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en

Insights into user experiences and acceptance of mobile indoor navigation devices

Abstract: Location-based services, which can be applied in navigation systems, are a key application in mobile and ubiquitous computing. Combined with indoor localization techniques, pico projectors can be used for navigation purposes to augment the environment with navigation information. In the present empirical study (n = 24) we explore users' perceptions, workload and navigation performance when navigating with a mobile projector in comparison to a mobile screen as indoor navigation interface. To capture user perceptions and to predict acceptance by applying structural equation modeling, we assessed perceived disorientation, privacy concerns, trust, ease of use, usefulness and sources of visibility problems. Moreover, the impact of user factors (spatial abilities, technical self-efficacy, familiarity) on acceptance was analyzed. The structural models exhibited adequate predictive and psychometric properties. Based on real user experience, they clearly pointed out a) similarities and device-specific differences in navigation device acceptance, b) the role of specific user experiences (visibility, trust, and disorientation) during navigation device usage and c) illuminated the underlying relationships between determinants of user acceptance. Practical implications of the results and future research questions are provided.

System for calculating routes

Abstract: A navigation system determines one or more routes for a user from one location to another. The navigation system uses model data or information about weather, date, or time to determine an optimal route for a user. The navigation system may consider user preferences and dangerous or awkward conditions or criteria, and may perform a cost value analysis in determining the optimal route for a user.

Indoor pedestrian navigation based on hybrid route planning and location modeling

Abstract: This paper introduces methods and services called PerPosNav for development of custom indoor pedestrian navigation applications to be deployed on a variety of platforms. PerPosNav is built on top of the PerPos positioning middleware [8] that fusions GPS, WiFi and inertial tracking into indoor positioning with high accuracy in many types of buildings. The challenges of indoor navigation are discussed and the PerPosNav services are introduced. PerPosNav combines symbolic and geometry based modeling of buildings, and in turn combines graph-based and geometric route computation. The paper argues why these hybrid approaches are necessary to handle the challenges of indoor pedestrian navigation. Furthermore, a fluent navigation is maintained via route tracking and navigation services that generate instructions based on how the user moves in relation to the prescribed route. The viability of PerPosNav has been proven by implementation of support for multiple modes of pedestrian indoor navigation: 1) augmented signs, 2) map based navigation on smartphones, 3) auditory navigation on smartphones solely via earbuds, and 4) augmented reality navigation. Experiences from the use of the PerPosNav services are discussed and compared to other indoor pedestrian navigation approaches.

Navigation device with augmented reality navigation functionality

Abstract: A navigation device includes a display, a recording medium, a navigation camera, a global positioning system (GPS), and a processor. The processor is operable to determine a current position for generating a navigation route to a destination. Based on a real-time traffic image received from the navigation camera, the processor adjusts a display scale and a display position of the navigation route, superimposes the navigation route on the real-time traffic image to generate a superimposed image, and outputs the superimposed image for viewing on the display and storage in the recording medium.

Method and apparatus for keyboard arrangement for efficient data entry for navigation system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering an address for a navigation system allows a user to easily and quickly select a key indicating the next character of the address. At the start of operation, the navigation system shows a full alpha-numeric keyboard. Once the next candidate characters are narrowed down to a certain degree, the navigation system shows a simplified keyboard with a limited number of keys on the monitor screen and highlights the next candidate characters on the simplified keyboard. The navigation system displays both the simplified keyboard and a street name list on the same screen. Since the keys of the limited number are arranged within a small space such as in the three-by-three manner, the user can easily point a cursor or other pointing device to the desired key.

Collaborative gps tracking

Abstract: A collaborative GPS navigation system and method enables nearby vehicles to share and compare planned route for improving navigation. While navigating along a planned route, a navigation device on a first vehicle may detect a specific, slower-moving second vehicle. The navigation device on the first vehicle may obtain the planned route of the second vehicle, compare the two planned routes to identify a shared route segment, and dynamically revise the planned route and route metrics according to the comparison.

Haptic feedback enabled navigation system using short range radio technologies

Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic navigation system, configured for providing a haptic instruction to a user, and to a method for providing a haptic instruction to a user. The haptic navigation system comprises a navigation module comprising a route calculation unit, configured for calculating at least one route for the user to go to a predetermined destination, and a user interaction unit, configured for capturing at least one input parameter from the user, and a feedback unit configured for receiving an instruction sent from the navigation module and for converting the instruction received into a haptic instruction such that the user find the correct route. In this way, a haptic navigation system is provided which is reliable, cost-effective to realize and can easily be integrated into existing navigation systems while at the same time making it possible to get rid of displays or voice recognition in navigation applications.

RSNAVI: an RFID-based context-aware indoor navigation system for the blind

Abstract: Most of the existing indoor navigation systems for the blind do not take into account their specific needs related to orientation and movement in an unfamiliar buildings. This paper presents an indoor blind navigation system called RSNAVI that has the following strengths: First, the system uses 4D modelling of buildings - 3D building and objects geometry and status of all sensors in time. To improve the navigation process we use semantic-rich interior model to describe not only the position and shape of all objects but also their characteristics. Second, the algorithm for route planning uses multi-parametric optimization to obtain the optimal route for the blind users. The system allows automatic re-routing when the blind user deviated from the route or if it detects a change of status of the sensors, for example blocking access to the room due to fire alarm. Finally, only algebraic expressions to calculate optimal route waypoints and to detour obstacles are used.

Navigation device and method of changing route for navigation device

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of the operation of changing a route by setting a new waypoint or destination point in a navigation device. To accomplish the object, the navigation device according to the present invention includes: a route searching unit that searches for a route from a departure point through waypoints to a destination point; a display controller that produces a screen display which allows one desired location among the departure point and at least one of the waypoints passed through to be designated as a new waypoint or destination point in one operation; and a route changing unit that changes the route searched for by the route searching unit in accordance with the designation performed by the one operation.

Method for ensuring continuity of service of a personal navigation device and device thereof

Abstract: A method is described for ensuring continuity of service of a portable navigation device (10) in the event of insufficient reception of GNSS satellite signals, wherein the user provides the portable navigation device (10) with first data relating to the current position of the device (10) through data input means (115), and wherein the personal navigation device (10), in order to calculate its own position, uses said first data entered by the user and second data coming from localization tools (105,110,127,170,180,190) associated with the portable navigation device (10) and not using GNSS satellite signals.

Predictive scheduling of navigation tasks

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, devices, methods, computer program products, and other implementations, including a method of controlling navigation tasks on a mobile device that includes obtaining data representative of a route of travel for the mobile device, obtaining a list of navigation tasks associated with the route of travel for the mobile device, and performing one or more navigation tasks in accordance with the list of navigation tasks based, at least in part, on proximity of the mobile device to one or more points on the route of travel. Performing the one or more navigation tasks includes one or more of, for example, obtaining satellite positioning assistance data in response to a determination that the mobile device is transitioning from an indoor area to an outdoor area, and/or establishing a communication link with an access point.

Navigation system providing lane guidance to driver based on driver's driving habits and preferences

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing lane guidance to a driver of a vehicle. Based on the current location of the vehicle, the navigation system determines a route to travel from the current location of the vehicle to a destination provided by the driver. The navigation system obtains one or more of the following types of information which is used to determine whether the navigation system should recommend a lane change: past driving patterns of the driver, driver's lane preferences, past driving history of other drivers on the route, external conditions (e.g., weather) and features of the route. The recommendation may be presented to the driver via an audio instruction and/or on a display. In this manner, the navigation system instructs the driver as to which lane in a multi-lane road the user should drive on taking into consideration the user's driving habits and preferences.