Circular Route Generation Using Inversion and Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital map route generation systems fail to provide circular routes that start and end at the same geographical location, as they interpret this as a null request, lacking functionality to generate routes based on user-defined criteria such as time, distance, terrain, and points of interest.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that calculates and ranks geographic routes starting and ending at the same position, using geographical data and user-input criteria like route time, distance, area, direction, and interest points, to generate circular routes that meet the specified parameters, ensuring the routes cover a significant area and avoid repetition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user inputs the start and end point as the same geographical location in existing route generation systems, then the system interprets this as a null request, but the user's need for a circular route for leisure activities cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute generation capabilityVSAvoiduser input simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional route generation approach by treating the start point as both the beginning and end point, rather than requiring distinct start and end locations. The system generates routes that begin at position A and return to position A, passing through intermediate points of interest, thereby satisfying leisure activity requirements while maintaining simple user input of a single location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system generates a route that passes through multiple intermediate points and covers significant geographical area, then the route quality and user experience improve, but the route calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute customizationVSAvoidcalculation algorithm
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the circular route generation problem into distinct components: identifying the start position, selecting intermediate points of interest, calculating optimal paths between these points, and ensuring return to the start. This segmentation allows the complex problem to be solved through a series of simpler, manageable steps while maintaining high route quality and customization options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying potential intermediate points of interest and pre-calculating possible path segments before combining them into complete circular routes. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of the final route assembly while ensuring high-quality, customized route generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3653994B1Circular routing
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ORDNANCE SURVEY
  • EP3653994B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3653994B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3653994B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a computer-implemented method of generating circular routes that start and end at the same geographical position, the route passing through a number of intermediate points along the way. The circular routes are generated in dependence on one or more route criterion, which may be pre-defined or input by the user. The route criterion may relate to a number of different route properties, for example, the length of time it takes to complete the route, the distance or area covered by the route, the direction the route takes, the type of terrain experienced during the route, whether the route passes through certain points more than once and/or whether the route passes any points of interest.