公开(公告)号：US5961571A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-05

申请号：US364160

申请日：1994-12-27

Applicant: Russell E. Gorr ,  Thomas R. Hancock ,  J. Stephen Judd ,  Long-Ji Lin ,  Carol L. Novak ,  Scott T. Rickard, Jr.

Inventor： Russell E. Gorr ,  Thomas R. Hancock ,  J. Stephen Judd ,  Long-Ji Lin ,  Carol L. Novak ,  Scott T. Rickard, Jr.

IPC: G01S3/783 ,  G01S5/00 ,  G05D1/02 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G06K9/00791 ,  G01S3/783 ,  G01S5/00 ,  G05D1/0246 ,  G05D1/0272 ,  G06K9/00664

Abstract: A system for automatically tracking the location of a vehicle includes a visual image detector mounted on the vehicle for producing as the vehicle moves along a route digitized strips of image data representing successive panoramic views of scenery about the vehicle at respective locations along the route. A sparse tracking subsystem processes and stores only selected ones of the image data strips representing substantially spaced apart successive locations along the route, for use as a sparse database. A dense tracking subsystem processes and stores as a dense database every successive one of the image data strips representing location along the route, whereby the dense tracking subsystem provides more accurate location of the vehicle when it retraces some portion of the route than the sparse tracking subsystem. After the sparse and dense databases are established, the location of the vehicle in real time as it retraces the route is performed by the dense tracking subsystem matching current image data strips from the visual image detector with the dense database strips to determine the location of the vehicle, as long as the vehicle stays on the pre-established route. If the vehicles strays from the route, the system senses the deviation and switches to the sparse tracking system to search a broader area in less time than the dense tracking system to attempt to relocate the vehicle along the route, after which the system switches back to the dense tracking subsystem.

Abstract translation: 用于自动跟踪车辆位置的系统包括安装在车辆上的视觉图像检测器，用于随着车辆沿着路线沿着路线沿着路线在相应位置处沿着路线数字化的图像数据条表示代表连续的关于车辆的景观的全景图。 稀疏跟踪子系统处理并存储沿着路线表示基本上间隔开的连续位置的图像数据带中的所选择的一个，用作稀疏数据库。 密集跟踪子系统处理和存储每个连续的一个图像数据带中的密集数据，表示沿着路线的位置，由此密集跟踪子系统在回溯路径的某些部分比稀疏跟踪子系统时提供更准确的位置 。 在建立稀疏和密集的数据库之后，通过密集跟踪子系统利用密集数据库条带从视觉图像检测器匹配当前图像数据条来执行车辆在重新路线时的实时位置，以确定该位置 车辆，只要车辆停留在预先建立的路线上。 如果车辆从路线偏离，则系统感测到偏差，并切换到稀疏跟踪系统，以比密集跟踪系统更少的时间搜索更广泛的区域，以尝试沿着路线重新定位车辆，之后系统切换回 密集跟踪子系统。

公开(公告)号：US5938718A

公开(公告)日：1999-08-17

申请号：US524428

申请日：1995-09-06

Applicant: Kyomi Morimoto ,  Kazuteru Maekawa ,  Akimasa Nanba ,  Wataru Ishikawa

Inventor： Kyomi Morimoto ,  Kazuteru Maekawa ,  Akimasa Nanba ,  Wataru Ishikawa

IPC: G01C21/36 ,  G01C21/00 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G01C21/3629 ,  G01C21/3632 ,  G01C21/3644 ,  G01C21/3655 ,  G01C21/3658 ,  G01C21/367

Abstract: In order to provide a driver with guidance for a direction of travel without confusing the driver even in a case where the angular difference between an approach road and a departing road at a branch point is very small or even when a branch point has a complicated shape, a navigation system is provided with present-position sensor for calculating present position of the vehicle; an input for entering information necessary for calculating a route; an output for giving notification of information for carrying out route guidance; an information storage device in which all data necessary to carry out route guidance has been stored; route calculator for calculating a route based upon the information entered by the input; route storage for temporarily storing the route calculated by the route calculator; and a guidance control unit for outputting guidance information relating to the route to the output. The information storage device stores branch-point data and road data connected to branch points and has direction data indicative of a departing road with respect to an approach road connected thereto by a branch point. The guidance control unit outputs the guidance information to the output based upon the direction data.

Abstract translation: 为了给驾驶员提供驾驶方向的指引，即使在分路点的进场道路与离开道路之间的角度差非常小的情况下，甚至当分支点具有复杂形状时，也不会混淆驾驶员 导航系统设置有用于计算车辆的当前位置的当前位置传感器; 用于输入计算路线所需的信息的输入; 用于通知进行路线引导的信息的输出; 信息存储装置，其中已经存储了执行路线引导所需的所有数据; 路线计算器，用于基于由输入输入的信息计算路线; 用于临时存储由路线计算器计算的路线的路线存储; 以及引导控制单元，用于输出与输出相关的路线的引导信息。 信息存储装置存储分支点数据和连接到分支点的道路数据，并且具有指示相对于通过分支点连接到的进场道路的离开道路的方向数据。 引导控制单元基于方向数据将引导信息输出到输出。

公开(公告)号：US5935194A

公开(公告)日：1999-08-10

申请号：US779475

申请日：1997-01-07

Applicant: Nicholas C. Talbot ,  Michael T. Allison ,  Mark E. Nichols

Inventor： Nicholas C. Talbot ,  Michael T. Allison ,  Mark E. Nichols

IPC: G01S19/44 ,  G01S5/14 ,  G01S19/25 ,  G01S3/02 ,  G01S5/02 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G01S19/44

Abstract: A method for obtaining integer ambiguity solutions based on externally provided constraints, e.g., altitude. Such constraints are useful in reducing the computational burden created by the search problem, and using constraints is particularly more effective when a more limited number of satellite vehicles are visible than is ordinarily the case. The constraints are exercised in a search algorithm. As the branches of the integer ambiguity search tree are traversed, an additional test is used to determine if the current search candidate is compatible with such external constraint. Because a three-dimensional position is associated with each search candidate, the branch clipping is straightforward. The ambiguity candidates are each only acceptable if their locations in space are within a confidence region bound set determined from the external constraint. Any sensor that can provide any combination of x, y, or z position information that is better than that obtainable from GPS code phase is a candidate source of such external constraints.

Abstract translation: 一种基于外部提供的约束（例如高度）获得整数模糊度解的方法。 这样的约束对于减少由搜索问题产生的计算负担是有用的，并且当通常情况下可见的卫星载体数量更有限时，使用约束特别有效。 约束在搜索算法中进行。 当遍历整数模糊搜索树的分支时，使用附加测试来确定当前搜索候选是否与这样的外部约束兼容。 因为三维位置与每个搜索候选者相关联，所以分支剪切是简单的。 只有当它们在空间中的位置在从外部约束确定的置信区域界限集中时，模糊度候选者才可以接受。 任何可以提供x，y或z位置信息的任何组合的传感器，其优于从GPS码相位获得的位置信息，这是这种外部约束的候选来源。

公开(公告)号：US5928304A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-27

申请号：US733749

申请日：1996-10-16

Applicant: Todd W. Priess

Inventor： Todd W. Priess

IPC: G01C21/20 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G01C21/20

Abstract: A method and apparatus for merging specifies an inset chart shape and at least two chart scale values. A chart retriever retrieves data files defining a low-scale chart and a high-scale chart, and a chart processor identifies portions of the low-scale data files from which data is deleted and merges the modified low-scale data files with high-scale data files which provide high-scale data for the inset chart shape.

Abstract translation: 用于合并的方法和装置指定插图图形和至少两个图表比例值。 图表检索器检索定义低比例图表和高比例图表的数据文件，图表处理器识别数据被删除的低档数据文件的部分，并将经修改的低规模数据文件与大规模合并 数据文件提供插图图形的大规模数据。

公开(公告)号：US5911775A

公开(公告)日：1999-06-15

申请号：US727070

申请日：1996-10-08

Applicant: Satoshi Tanimoto

Inventor： Satoshi Tanimoto

IPC: G09B29/10 ,  G01C21/00 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G08G1/0968 ,  G08G1/0969 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G08G1/096827 ,  G01C21/3415

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system copes with the situation when the vehicle deviates from a guided route (is off-route) and it is desired to reach the destination efficiently, i.e. with the least travel distance. The system determines the most efficient route to return to the guided route by analyzing the shortest distance between the current vehicle position and an unpassed road intersection on the original guided route, by searching for unpassed intersections on the original guided route within a particular radius of the current off-route vehicle position. The vehicle speed and heading angle are also used to determine the search radius, to find the shortest return route to the original guided route.

Abstract translation: 车辆导航系统处理车辆偏离引导路线（是离线）的情况，期望有效地到达目的地，即以最小行驶距离到达目的地。 通过在原始引导路线上分析当前车辆位置与未通过的道路交叉点之间的最短距离，通过在原始引导路线的特定半径范围内搜索未经过的交叉路线，确定返回到引导路线的最有效路线 目前的离线车辆位置。 车速和航向角也用于确定搜索半径，找到到原始导航路线的最短返回路线。

公开(公告)号：US5911774A

公开(公告)日：1999-06-15

申请号：US866388

申请日：1997-05-30

Applicant: Tetsuya Itoh

Inventor： Tetsuya Itoh

IPC: G01C21/00 ,  G01C21/26 ,  G08G1/0969 ,  G06F165/00 ,  G06G7/78

CPC classification number: G01C21/26

Abstract: A navigation system detects a position of a vehicle, determines an area (i.e., a State) associated with the position of the vehicle, selects and loads a program corresponding to the area for controlling the provision of one or more navigation functions, and navigates the vehicle according to the loaded program. The program is based on a rule as to a navigation that is function enforced in the area in which the vehicle is located.

Abstract translation: 导航系统检测车辆的位置，确定与车辆的位置相关联的区域（即，状态），选择并加载与用于控制提供一个或多个导航功能的区域相对应的程序，并导航 车辆根据装载程序。 该程序基于在车辆所处的区域中执行功能的导航的规则。

公开(公告)号：US5910177A

公开(公告)日：1999-06-08

申请号：US761868

申请日：1996-12-09

Applicant: Gary Zuber

Inventor： Gary Zuber

IPC: G01C21/00 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G08G1/0969 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G01C21/3658 ,  G01C21/3461

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a route from a source location to a destination in a vehicle navigation system. Initially, the system generates a first partial route from the source location to the end of the first partial route. The system then determines whether a second maneuver is within a first distance from a first maneuver at the end of the first partial route. Where the second maneuver is within the first distance, the system increases the cost associated with the second maneuver. The system then generates a second partial route from the end of the first partial route to the destination, generation of the second partial route being based at least in part on the cost associated with the second maneuver.

Abstract translation: 提供一种用于在车辆导航系统中生成从源位置到目的地的路线的方法和装置。 最初，系统产生从源位置到第一部分路线的末端的第一部分路线。 系统然后确定在第一部分路线结束时第二操纵是否处于距离第一操纵的第一距离内。 在第二次机动在第一距离内的情况下，系统增加与第二次机动相关联的成本。 然后，系统生成从第一部分路线的末端到目的地的第二部分路线，第二部分路线的产生至少部分地基于与第二机动相关联的成本。

公开(公告)号：US5906654A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-25

申请号：US751463

申请日：1996-11-19

Applicant: Kouichi Sato

Inventor： Kouichi Sato

IPC: G09B29/10 ,  G01C21/00 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G06Q30/02 ,  G06Q30/06 ,  G06Q50/00 ,  G08G1/0968 ,  G08G1/0969 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G08G1/096827 ,  G01C21/3605 ,  G01C21/3685 ,  G08G1/096844 ,  G08G1/096861 ,  G08G1/096866 ,  G08G1/096872 ,  G08G1/096894

Abstract: Route guidance for vehicle navigation in which a destination in a category of places is searched for and guidance along a suitable guide route to the destination is performed. If the user's original purpose cannot be achieved even after reaching the destination, another destination in the same category of places is automatically searched for and guidance to the new destination is performed along a suitable guide route. If e.g. the category is convenience stores, then convenience stores within a certain range of the user's vehicle position are searched to find the nearest destination. A guide route to the destination is found (excluding congested roads or roads under traffic control on the basis of road traffic information obtained e.g. from ATIS). If the vehicle moves out of a certain range of the destination without stopping longer than a certain time period after entering within the range, another destination in the same category of places is automatically searched for and the vehicle is guided along a suitable route to the new destination.

Abstract translation: 执行车辆导航的路线指导，其中搜索一类地点中的目的地并沿着到达目的地的适当指导路线的引导。 如果即使在到达目的地之后用户的原始目的也不能实现，则自动搜索同一类别地点中的另一个目的地，并沿着合适的引导路线执行对新目的地的指导。 如果例如 该类别是便利店，然后搜索用户车辆位置的一定范围内的便利店以找到最近的目的地。 发现到达目的地的引导路线（不包括交通控制下的拥挤道路或道路，其基于例如从ATIS获得的道路交通信息）。 如果车辆在进入该范围之后不停止超过一定时间段的情况下移出目的地的一定范围，则自动搜索同一类别地点中的另一个目的地，并沿着合适的路线将车辆引导至新的 目的地。

公开(公告)号：US5906647A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-25

申请号：US708243

申请日：1996-09-03

Applicant: Jeffrey P. Zyburt ,  Allan L. Cowan ,  Donald W. Grimaudo ,  Frederick J. Shaffer

Inventor： Jeffrey P. Zyburt ,  Allan L. Cowan ,  Donald W. Grimaudo ,  Frederick J. Shaffer

IPC: G05D1/02 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G05D1/0282 ,  G05D1/0265 ,  G05D2201/0213

Abstract: A right inductive coil is coupled to a vehicle at a first location offset from the vehicle's centerline for generating a first signal in response to an electromagnetic signal in a guide wire beneath the vehicle. Similarly, a left inductive coil coupled to the vehicle opposite the right coil relative to the centerline for generating a second signal in response to an electromagnetic signal in the guide wire. A signal comparator receives the signals and generates a guidance signal representative of the combination of the signals. Also, a position antenna is movably mounted in the vertical dimension on the vehicle for generating query pulses and detecting echo pulses from transponders embedded in a test track.

Abstract translation: 右电感线圈在与车辆中心线偏置的第一位置处耦合到车辆，用于响应于车辆下方的导丝中的电磁信号而产生第一信号。 类似地，耦合到相对于中心线的与右线圈相对的车辆的左电感线圈，用于响应于导丝中的电磁信号产生第二信号。 信号比较器接收信号并产生代表信号组合的引导信号。 此外，位置天线可移动地安装在车辆的垂直尺寸上，用于产生查询脉冲并检测嵌入在测试轨道中的应答器的回波脉冲。

公开(公告)号：US5902350A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-11

申请号：US741093

申请日：1996-10-30

Applicant: Haruhisa Tamai ,  Simon Desai

Inventor： Haruhisa Tamai ,  Simon Desai

IPC: G01C21/00 ,  G01C21/36 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G08G1/0969 ,  G06F165/00

CPC classification number: G01C21/3632 ,  G01C21/3655

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating a maneuver indication for an intersection having a turn-lane connector which is consistent with what a driver sees and expects. According to one aspect of the invention, it provides a method for providing maneuver indications to a driver for an intersection having a turn-lane connector which includes the steps of (a) determining when the intersection includes a turn-lane connector, (b) determining whether it is appropriate to collapse the turn lane into the main portion of the intersection for the purposes of generating a maneuver indication, (c) collapsing the turn lane into the intersection when it is appropriate, (d) generating a maneuver indication for the collapsed intersection, and (e) outputting the maneuver indication to the user in time so that the driver may use the turn-lane connector if desired.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供一种用于产生具有与驾驶员看到和期望的一致的匝道连接器的交叉路口的操纵指示的方法和装置。 根据本发明的一个方面，它提供了一种用于向具有转向车道连接器的交叉口的驾驶员提供机动指示的方法，该方法包括以下步骤：（a）确定交叉点何时包括转向车道连接器，（b） 确定是否适合将转弯车道折叠成交叉路口的主要部分以产生机动指示，（c）在适当的时候将转弯通道塌陷到十字路口，（d）产生一个机动指示， 折叠的交点，以及（e）及时向用户输出机动指示，以便如果需要，驾驶员可以使用车道连接器。