Driving directions with selective printing

Abstract

In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a driving directions subsystem configured to provide data representative of driving directions to an access device communicatively coupled to the driving directions subsystem. The driving directions subsystem is further configured to provide at least one selection tool to the access device. The selection tool enables a user of the access device to select a subset of the driving directions for printing. In certain embodiments, the driving directions include a plurality of driving steps, and the selection tool enables the user of the access device to select, for each driving step, between including the driving step in and omitting the driving step from the printing.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0001]Computerized applications have been developed for generating and providing driving directions in response to user requests. For example, a user may access a conventional driving direction application, identify a starting location and a destination location, and receive in return driving directions descriptive of a driving route between the locations.[0002]Many traditional driving direction applications allow a user to print a set of generated driving directions for future reference. However, these applications do not provide a user with control over the information that is printed. For example, a user may find it undesirable to print certain driving steps included in driving directions, including steps instructing the user how to navigate a familiar route. Examples of unhelpful driving steps include steps that direct the user how to get from his or her residence to a nearby freeway onramp that is familiar to the user. Because of the limited printing featu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution reduces printout clutter, increases the relevance of printed information, and reduces user stress when navigating unfamiliar routes by allowing users to customize their driving direction printouts, enhancing the user experience and differentiating the application.

Problems solved by technology

However, these applications do not provide a user with control over the information that is printed.

For example, a user may find it undesirable to print certain driving steps included in driving directions, including steps instructing the user how to navigate a familiar route.

Because of the limited printing features provided by conventional driving direction applications, the user will have to include all of the driving steps in a printout of the driving directions.

Consequently, traditional driving direction applications typically lead users to print entire sets of directions, which unnecessarily wastes time, ink, and toner, clutters the printed output, and frustrates the user.

Unfortunately, web browser print selection features have several disadvantages.

Moreover, the layout of a web page may force a user to select and print unwanted graphics or advertisements along with desired text.

Further still, some users may use web browsers that do not provide a “print selection” feature.

Even for users of web browsers that do provide a “print selection” feature, a large portion of these users are not aware that such a feature is provided in web browsers.

Thus, the “print selection” feature of a web browser does not provide flexible or satisfactory control over the printing of driving directions.

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