Techniques are described to exchange location information between a location-aware client device and friend devices via a server that is configured to communicate with one or more friend finding services. The server may reformat the location information for communication between the client device and the friend finding services when the location information is provided in a format that is not supported by one or more of the client device, the friend device, or the one or more friend finding services.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
H04W 88/18 - Service support devicesNetwork management devices
Techniques are described to furnish location-based functionality to golf-related electronic devices. In one or more embodiments, the distances associated with features of a hole of a golf course such as sand traps, water hazards and other hazards, trees, tree lines, waste areas, out of bounds areas, man-made hazards, and so on may be selectively labeled based on the relative positions of the device, the features, and a point within the hole of the golf course such as the pin or other point within the green.
A friction mount apparatus for supporting an electronic device (10) on a surface (14). The apparatus (10) includes a body (16), anchors (18,20,22), and a receiving member (24). Body (16) includes a recessed surface (30) on the bottom thereof into which a foam layer (36) is secured, wherein the foam layer (36) contacts a mounting surface (14) and resists moving relative to the surface (14). The anchors (18,20,22) are connected to the body (16) via flexible necks (38,40,42) and have bottom surfaces formed of soft material and weighted cores to press the bottom surfaces against the mounting surface to resist movement relative to the mounting surface (14) and thus further stabilize the apparatus (10). The receiving member (24) is secured to a top surface of the body (16) and is adapted to releasably retain an electronic device (12).
A navigation device with improved detour routing is disclosed. The navigation device is generally operable to calculate a first route to a destination utilizing a current location of the navigation device, receive a detour request from a user provided by the user functioning a single detour input once, and calculate a second detour route to the destination in response to the detour request. Such a configuration enables the user to easily and safely request additional route calculations to provide a detour around undesirable travel conditions without requiring extensive user input.
Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.
Techniques are described for traffic data quality. In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including functionality to determine position. The device may use determined position to ascertain geographic locations as collection points where traffic related data may be collected. In at least some embodiments, traffic data quality techniques combining both device side and server side technique are applied to data collected at the collections points. In an embodiment, communication of collected data by the device may be delayed to enable additional observations of vehicle movement, routing, position, and so forth. The additional observations during the delay enable the device to determine the validity of the collected data.
A navigation device with improved zoom functions is disclosed. The navigation device is generally operable to display a map with varying magnifications and perspectives to enable a user to increase or decrease magnification and perspective without creating a substantial and immediate change in perspective. Such a configuration reduces user confusion due to the elimination of substantial changes in perspective during magnification and demagnification.
A mounting device that securely supports an electronic device to a surface such as a vehicle dashboard. The mounting device comprises a flexible base for placement on a mounting surface and a bendable frame attached to or otherwise coupled with the base to permit the base to be shaped to at least partially conform to contours on the mounting surface. The base may be partially formed of a material that provides sufficient friction between its lower surface and the mounting surface to resist unwanted movement. The frame may be formed of aluminum and may include a central portion and a plurality of appendages each independently movable about at least two axes of movement. Each of the appendages may include a connecting link joined to the central portion and a pair of arms extending from the connecting link and movable relative to one another and relative to the central portion.
B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the likeArrangement of controls thereof
9.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE ATTACHMENT POSITION OF A MOTION SENSING APPARATUS
A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
G01C 22/00 - Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers or using pedometers
Techniques are described for position source selection. In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to select between a plurality of position sources to determine position based upon a variety of selection criteria. In an implementation, a last known position may be stored when position is being determined through the plurality of position sources. The last known position may be used as an alternative to determining position via the position sources when one or more of the position sources are unavailable. In another implementation, the last known position may be employed to automatically select one of the plurality of position sources to be used by the electronic device for determining position.
An electronic device comprises a location determining component such as a GPS receiver, or the like, which employs multiple antennas configured for use when the device is in various orientations.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
Techniques are described for automatic device mode switching. In an implementation an electronic device provides a variety of functionality through multiple modes of the electronic device. The electronic device may be configured to toggle between modes when inserted into or removed from a corresponding mounting device. In an implementation, one operational mode may be automatically activated upon insertion of the electronic device into the mounting device. Another operational mode may be automatically activated when the electronic device is removed from the mounting device. In another implementation, multiple modes of an electronic device may be associated with multiple orientations of the device. An orientation detector may provide signals indicative of orientation, which when detected causes automatic activation of an associated operational mode.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
13.
INTEGRATING POSITION-DETERMINING AND WI-FI FUNCTIONS
Techniques are described for leveraging position-determining functions and Wi-Fi functions on a device by integrating these functions. In one or more implementations, Wi-Fi data is provided on a electronic device configured with Wi-Fi and position-determining functionality. This Wi-Fi data is then used to facilitate the device accessing a Wi-Fi network available within a geographical region associated with the device. In at least some implementations, the facilitating is associated with identifying and/or selecting one or more potential Wi-Fi networks to access by integrating the Wi-Fi data with received positioning data and map data on the device. In at least some embodiments, the facilitating is associated with communicatively linking to a selected Wi-Fi network.
Techniques are described for generating a dynamic user interface for a position- determining device that may account for a variety of input modes. In one example, a position-determining device is initiated in a first input mode (e.g., a touch screen mode) and a graphical user interface (GUI) of the device is configured to accept input via the first input mode. The position-determining device then receives an indication to switch to a second input mode (e.g., a speech input mode) and the GUI is configured to receive input via the second input mode. The position-determining device can dynamically transition between GUI configurations based on a plurality of input modes.
An electronic device includes a communication element, a location-determining component, a computing device, and a display. The communication element receives and transmits communication. The location-determining component monitors the location of the electronic device. The computing device is coupled to the communication element and the location-determining component and can change at least one setting of the electronic device based on the location of the device.
An electronic device includes a communication component; a location-determining component; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld housing or other enclosure. The communications component transmits and receives mobile communications over a wireless communication network or path and provides identification information to the computing device. The location determining component determines locations of the electronic device as it is carried or driven from place to place and provides corresponding location data to the computing device. The computing device links the identification information with the location data to indicate the location of the device when a communication was made or received. The identification information and location data may be linked by adding a geocode or geotag to the identification information or by cross- referencing the information and data in a database. The computing device may also display a representation of the location data alongside a representation of the communication on a cartographic map and then display some of the identification information for the communication when a user scrolls over or otherwise selects either of the representations.
Techniques are described for enabling flexible and dynamic creation and/or modification of voice data for a position-determining device. In some embodiments, a voice package is provided that includes a language database and a plurality of audio files. The language database specifies appropriate syntax and vocabulary for information that is intended for audio output by a position-determining device. The audio files include words and/or phrases that may be accessed by the position-determining device to communicate the information via audible output. Some embodiments utilize a voice package toolkit to construct and/or customize one or more parts of a voice package.
G08G 1/0968 - Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
G08G 1/137 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating the position of vehicles, e.g. scheduled vehicles within the vehicle the indicator being in the form of a map
18.
AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING LOCATION INFORMATION IN TEXT DATA
Techniques are described for automatically identifying/recognizing location information in received data and then providing navigational-related functions associated with the location information. In one or more implementations, automatically identifying location information may be performed using a locale context. More particularly, the locale context may serve as a basis for determining how text data is parsed and which expressions are used to parse text in order to recognize the location information.
A navigation-assisted fitness device broadly comprising a location determining component, a fitness monitoring component and a display. The location determining component determines location data for a user of the device as the user exercises. The fitness monitoring component is coupled with the location determining component and calculates fitness information for the user as the user exercises. The display displays the fitness information and other information and data.
The fitness information may include an indication of the intensity level of the user's exercise, the total amount of calories burned by the user during the exercise, the amount of fat calories burned, and the amount of carbohydrate calories burned. The device calculates the ratio of fat calories burned versus carbohydrate calories burned based on the intensity level. As the user increases or decreases the intensity level of an exercise, the device recalculates and displays the ratio or percentage of total calories burned from fat reserves and from carbohydrate reserves.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
G01B 21/00 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant
20.
METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE UTILIZING A BATTTERY COVER
A battery cover for an electronic device including a battery receptacle. The battery cover generally comprises a base and a cover mating element. The base is operable to couple with a portion of the electronic device and at least partially cover the battery receptacle. The cover mating element is operable to couple with the base and interchangeably mate with a reciprocal mating element associated with a mount to couple the electronic device to the mount.
Real-time weather information is dynamically acquired in real-time and presented within a display. The display also includes a variety of other information, such as a route and a current position associated with a navigation device. The real-time weather information includes real-time weather and/or water conditions. The real-time weather and/or water conditions are presented within the display with unique visual features and concurrently presented with the other information.
A watch device includes a touch- sensitive user interface employing a sensor positioned within the bezel of the display for detecting when the bezel is touched by a user of the watch device. The sensor may be capable of detecting single presses, multiple simultaneous presses, and scrolling motion presses about the bezel.
A bicycle computer having position-determining functionality is described. In an implementation, an apparatus includes a housing configured to attach to a bicycle. The apparatus has one or more modules to store training metrics of a user of the bicycle as a function of geographic position.
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G01S 1/00 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith
24.
System and method utilizing non-GPS satellite content in real-time navigation
A navigation device is provided that includes a GPS input that receives GPS information from a GPS satellite. The system also includes a non-GPS input that receives real-time content from a non-GPS source. The real-time content includes updates to travel conditions. The system also includes a navigation module that analyses the updates from the non-GPS source in conjunction with the GPS information form the GPS satellite.
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
Techniques are described to create a context for use in automated speech recognition. In an implementation, a determination is made as to which data received by a position- determining device is selectable to initiate one or more functions of the position- determining device, wherein at least one of the functions relates to position-determining functionality. A dynamic context is generated to include one or more phrases taken from the data based on the determination. An audio input is translated by the position- determining device using one or more said phrases from the dynamic context.
Techniques are described related to tiles of automated speech recognition data. In an implementation, automated speech recognition (ASR) data is obtained. The ASR data is divided into a plurality of tiles based on an approximate amount of data to be included in each tile. Each of the tiles is a partition of the ASR data.
A personal navigation device includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites; a processing system coupled with the GPS receiver for determining a location of the personal navigation device as a function of the GPS signals; a display coupled with the processing system for displaying information related to the location of the personal navigation device; a housing on which the display is mounted and in which the GPS receiver and processing system are housed; and an antenna coupled with the GPS receiver for assisting in reception of the GPS signals. The antenna is fixedly positioned along a plane that is generally parallel with a plane passing through the housing.
A personal navigation device includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites; a processing system coupled with the GPS receiver for determining a location of the personal navigation device as a function of the GPS signals; a display coupled with the processing system for displaying information related to the location of the personal navigation device; a housing on which the display is mounted and in which the GPS receiver and processing system are housed; and an antenna coupled with the GPS receiver for assisting in reception of the GPS signals. The antenna is fixedly positioned along a plane that is generally parallel with a plane passing through the housing.
G01S 1/02 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
Route shaping systems and methods determine a route from a current location through a shape location to a destination. An area of interest is determined for the shape location, and a highest road class for road segments through the interest area is identified. A route is calculated from a starting location through the interest area to the destination, and the route includes a selected road segment through the interest area with the highest road class.
A device which converts geographic coordinates such as track logs to navigational routes matched to known road networks includes a GPS receiver; a display; and a processing system. The GPS receiver determines a series of geographic coordinates corresponding to points along a path traveled by a user of the device. The processing system accesses the series of geographic coordinates; compares them to a database of known paths to find a match; and displays at least a portion of the matching path along with navigational information which permits the user to generally follow the series of geographic coordinates while traveling on the path.
A wearable electronic device (10) is disclosed comprising a location determining component (12) enclosed by an elongated housing (14) and a strap (16) operable to secure the housing to a user's forearm for use during exercise or other periods of activity. The housing (14) includes a display (30) and at least one input (44). The display (30) communicates information concerning the device (10) and the input (44) controls the operation of the location determining component (12). In a first preferred embodiment, the location determining component (12) is a GPS receiver operable to determine a geographic location of the device (10). In a second preferred embodiment, the device (110) comprises a location determining component (112) and an exercise performance monitor component (162) operable to compute information relative to the user's exercise. In a third preferred embodiment, the device (212) comprises a location determining component (212) and an entertainment component (264) operable to execute at least one game. In a fourth preferred embodiment, the device (310) comprises a location determining component (312), an exercise performance monitor component (362) and an entertainment component (364).
A device and method for filtering traffic information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to receive traffic data corresponding to a plurality of traffic events. The computing device is operable to filter the received traffic data based on the severity of the traffic events to form filtered traffic data and the display is operable to present an indication of the filtered data.
A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a power state of devices comprises interconnecting, with an Ethernet cable, a first multi-function display (MFD) and at least one device for communicating with the first MFD. The first MFD comprises a switch for changing a power state. A power source provides power for the first MFD and the at least one device. The first MFD remotely controls the power state of the at least one device through a control signal output to the Ethernet cable. The at least one device receives the control signal and changes the power state of the at least one device in response to the control signal.
A device, system, and method for grouping traffic events. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to receive data corresponding to a plurality of traffic events. The computing device is operable to identify at least two related traffic events and form a traffic event group representing at least two of the related traffic events. The display is operable to present an indication of the formed traffic event group. Such a configuration enables users to more easily access relevant traffic information.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
35.
System and method for providing real-time traffic information
A device and method for filtering traffic information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to receive traffic data corresponding to a plurality of traffic events. The computing device is operable to filter the received traffic data based on the severity of the traffic events to form filtered traffic data and the display is operable to present an indication of the filtered data.
A device, system, and method which permit consumers to more effectively and efficiently shop for the lowest priced goods and services such as fuel. The device includes a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from GPS satellites and for determining a current location of the electronic device as a function of the satellite signals; a display; and a computing device coupled with the GPS receiver and the display. The computing device displays prices for sellers within a geographic area selected by the user or related to the current location of the device. The computing device determines an average price charged by certain sellers within the geographic area and indicates which sellers have prices above or below the calculated average price. The device also displays distances between the user's current location and the sellers and provide routing or other directions to a selected seller.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a tracking apparatus (100) and method that are operable to efficiently track an animal. The tracking apparatus (100) is operable to be worn by an animal, determine its current geographic location, and transmit information relating to its current geographic location to an external device such as a portable navigation unit (200). The navigation unit (200) is operable to display a representation of the geographic location of the tracking apparatus (100) for consideration by a user.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a navigation device (10) and method that are operable to provide an alert by comparing user geographic locations. The navigation device (10) generally includes a location determining component (14) operable to determine a current geographic location of the device (10), a memory (16) operable to store data corresponding to a previous geographic location of the device (10), a processor (12), and a display (20). The processor (12) is operable to compare the current geographic location of the device (10) to the previous geographic location of the device (10) and generate an alert based upon the comparison. The display (20) is operable to provide a visual indication of the generated alert. Such a configuration enables an attention-getting alert to be automatically provided even if a user is severely injured or incapacitated.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a navigation device (10) and method that are operable to provide an alert by comparing user geographic locations. The navigation device (10) generally includes a location determining component (14) operable to determine a current geographic location of the device (10), a memory (16) operable to store data corresponding to a previous geographic location of the device (10), a processor (12), and a display (20). The processor (12) is operable to compare the current geographic location of the device (10) to the previous geographic location of the device (10) and generate an alert based upon the comparison. The display (20) is operable to provide a visual indication of the generated alert. Such a configuration enables an attention-getting alert to be automatically provided even if a user is severely injured or incapacitated.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device (10) having a location-based security feature. The device (10) is generally operable to provide a primary security feature corresponding to a user input and provide a secondary security feature corresponding to a geographic security location of the electronic device (10). In various embodiments, the secondary security feature is operable to override the primary security feature. Such a configuration enables the secondary security feature to be satisfied independent of the user input.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a combined receiver and power adapter (10). The adapter (10) generally includes a coupling element (12) operable to couple with a power source (S), a receiver (14) operable to wirelessly receive information, a housing (16) operable to house the coupling element (12) and the receiver (14), and a connection element (18) operable to couple the coupling element (12) and the receiver (14) with an electronic device (D). Coupling of the connection element (18) with the electronic device (D) enables the adapter (10) to provide power and/or received information to the electronic device (D). Such a configuration enables the electronic device (D) to be provided with power and information without requiring the use of a plurality of cables or numerous external housings.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated receiver and power adapter (10). The adapter (10) generally includes a coupling element (12) operable to couple with a power source (S), a receiver (14) operable to wirelessly receive information, a housing (16) operable to house the receiver (14), and a connection element (18) operable to couple with an electronic device (D). Coupling of the connection element (18) with the electronic device (D) enables the adapter (10) to provide power and/or received information to the electronic device (D). Such a configuration enables the electronic device (D) to be provided with power and information without requiring the use of a plurality of cables or numerous external housings.
A portable navigation device is provided that includes a receiver configured to receive signals from GPS satellites. The device includes memory that stores a non-navigation application and non-navigation information related to the non-navigation application. A user interface is configured to enable an operator to enter non-navigation instructions related to the non-navigation application. The a processor module is provided that calculates a position of the device based on the signals from the GPS satellites. The processor module implements the non-navigation application and performs non-navigation operations defined by the non-navigation application based on the non-navigation instructions entered by the user. The processor module disables the non-navigation application after a predetermined trial period of time following a start time unless and until an application access code is entered. Optionally, a cartridge they may be included that is configured to receive an application access cartridge containing the application access code. The code indicates that access to the non-navigation application has been purchased by the user of the device. The processor module enables the non-navigation application when the application access cartridge is entered into the cartridge bay with a valid code. The processor may not disable the non-navigation application, such as when an application access code is incurred before and in of the predetermined trial period of time.
patents
