Automated Vehicle Location Tracking via Proactive Breadcrumb Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation applications require user interaction to 'drop breadcrumbs' for locating parked vehicles, which is inefficient in large or unfamiliar areas, as drivers need assistance finding their parked cars without proactive engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a computing device with GPS and AI to determine the geographic location of a user's parked vehicle based on historical data and calendar entries, providing timely notifications and directions to the vehicle's location when expected to be used, such as after a work meeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver proactively interacts with the navigation application to drop breadcrumbs when leaving the automobile, then the driver can be guided back to the parked automobile, but the process requires manual user interaction which is inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the breadcrumb-dropping function without requiring user intervention. The navigation application monitors when the vehicle is parked and autonomously creates location markers, eliminating the need for drivers to manually interact with the application to track their vehicle location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively drops breadcrumbs at the moment the vehicle is parked, before the driver forgets the location. By automatically detecting parking events and creating location markers in advance, the system ensures location tracking is established without requiring later user action.
2Extent of automation
If the navigation application provides automatic vehicle location tracking, then the driver can easily find the parked automobile, but the system complexity increases to implement automated monitoring and detection
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation application leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities (GPS tracking, route navigation, location monitoring) to provide automated vehicle location tracking. By reusing existing system functions for multiple purposes, the patent achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device as an intermediary between the vehicle and the driver. The device continuously monitors location data and automatically processes breadcrumb creation, acting as a mediator that simplifies the interaction while implementing automated tracking through software rather than hardware modifications.
3Loss of time
If the driver uses breadcrumbs to locate the parked automobile in a large parking area or unfamiliar city, then the driver can be guided back to the vehicle, but the process takes time and may not be timely enough
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's location and maintains active breadcrumb tracking from the moment of parking. This continuous location monitoring ensures that the most up-to-date position information is always available, reducing the time needed to locate the vehicle and improving reliability compared to periodic or on-demand tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the driver about the vehicle's location through the breadcrumb trail. By continuously updating the location markers and providing navigation guidance back to the parked vehicle, the system reduces search time and ensures the driver receives timely and accurate location information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, computing devices, and methods for indicating a geographic location of transportation for a user are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes determining an approximate time when a user is expected to use a mode of transportation. The method also includes determining an estimated time to travel from a current geographic location of the user to a current geographic location of the mode of transportation. Further, the method includes presenting, via a computing device of the user, a message at a time based on the determined approximate time and the determined estimated time.