Cursor Locking for Path Planning Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current path planning systems for autonomous vehicles face challenges in cursor interaction, including difficulty in identifying the last waypoint for path extension, cluttered screens due to multiple distance displays, and the cursor's tendency to inadvertently move to adjacent paths, which complicates the navigation and manipulation of line paths.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the location of a cursor on a navigational map by locking it to a segment boundary rectangle, using predetermined distance thresholds to identify proximity to endpoints or line segments, and projecting the cursor to highlight active elements, thereby improving cursor interaction and reducing screen clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple distances are displayed along the entire path, then the user can see the total distance and segment distances, but the screen becomes cluttered and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the path into multiple line segments between waypoints and displays distance information in a segmented manner. Instead of showing all distances simultaneously across the entire path, the system displays distance information for the current active segment only, or segments in a hierarchical manner, reducing screen clutter while maintaining information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making distance information display context-dependent. The system highlights and displays distance information specifically for the active line segment where the cursor is located, rather than uniformly displaying all segment distances. This localized display approach reduces overall screen clutter while ensuring critical distance information is prominently visible.
2Ease of operation
If the cursor is not locked to a current path segment, then the user has freedom to move the cursor anywhere, but the cursor may inadvertently slip to close existing or crossing line segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a locked state for the cursor on the current active line segment before the user intentionally moves to another segment. The system proactively maintains cursor-locking logic that prevents accidental transitions, and only allows segment switching when the user deliberately initiates such movement, thus preventing inadvertent cursor slips while preserving operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to inform the user about the current cursor-locking state and the active line segment. The system provides visual feedback (such as highlighting the active segment or displaying cursor-lock status) so the user is aware of the locked state and can intentionally change segments when desired, maintaining both reliability and user control.
3Device complexity
If the last waypoint for path extension is not clearly identified, then the interface remains simple, but the user cannot immediately identify where to extend the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to visually distinguish the last waypoint for path extension from other waypoints. The system highlights the last waypoint using a distinct color or visual indicator (such as a different icon style, color border, or glow effect), making it immediately identifiable to the user without adding complex interface elements. This maintains interface simplicity while solving the identification problem.
4Productivity
If the cursor can be easily moved to adjacent paths, then the user can quickly switch between paths, but the cursor may unintentionally move to wrong paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a locked state for the cursor on the current active line segment before the user intentionally moves to another segment. The system proactively maintains cursor-locking logic that prevents accidental transitions, and only allows segment switching when the user deliberately initiates such movement, thus preventing inadvertent cursor slips while preserving operational freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a location of a cursor on a navigational map, the method comprising the step of calculating at least one boundary rectangle for a path on the navigational map, the path comprising at least two waypoints, each waypoint being connected to a next successive waypoint by a respective line segment in such a manner that each line segment has two endpoints, the step of calculating a respective segment boundary rectangle for each line segment along with its two endpoints, the step of determining whether the cursor is located within the at least one boundary rectangle, and the step of determining, when the cursor is located within the at least one boundary rectangle, whether the cursor is located within one segment boundary rectangle amongst the respective segment boundary rectangles.