Human-Friendly Location Coding Through Geometric Map Subdivision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based systems use numerical coordinates or generic word sequences that are not user-friendly for easy communication and can be ineffective in areas with limited code or reference assignments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that subdivides a 2D map of the Earth into triangles or quadrilaterals, applying a skew to form parallelograms, and represents each subdivision with a sequence of symbols or words, allowing for a user-friendly combination of words to identify locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerical coordinates (latitude and longitude) are used to identify locations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because strings of numbers are difficult to accurately remember or communicate verbally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that converts numerical coordinates into natural language descriptions. A processor receives latitude and longitude data, queries a database for nearby points of interest, and generates human-friendly location identifiers such as 'Coffee Shop near Central Park' instead of raw coordinate strings, thereby maintaining precision while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the parameter representation from numerical coordinates (latitude, longitude) to categorical descriptors (point of interest type, relative position, distance). This parameter change allows location data to be expressed in terms that are more memorable and communicable while preserving the underlying precise location information
2Ease of operation
If postcodes or street names are used to identify locations, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in areas where a single reference may be used by many locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location identification system into multiple hierarchical components: general point of interest category, specific identifier, and optional qualifying descriptors. For example, instead of a single ambiguous postcode, the system provides 'Restaurant - The Pizza Place - Main Street Branch', creating a segmented identifier that maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliability through multiple discriminative elements
Solution Approach 2:
The location identifier is constructed as a composite of multiple information elements (point of interest type, name, location descriptor, optional distance indicator). This composite structure combines the ease of familiar references with additional discriminating factors that ensure unique identification, resolving the contradiction between usability and reliability
3Ease of operation
If generic code names comprising sequences of words are generated for locations, then ease of operation is improved for communication, but adaptability deteriorates because the mapping is generic and may not work well in all areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts location identifiers based on the specific geographic context. The database queries are tailored to local points of interest, and the generated code names reflect area-specific landmarks and features. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of communication while improving versatility across different geographic regions by using locally relevant reference points
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating location information for an area are described. The present disclosure teaches to combine a method for progressively subdividing the earth into triangles or quadrilaterals to localize an area on map. Further, a chosen triangle indices is used to create a representation using a sequence of symbols or words from common speech. Using the representation and corresponding coordinates, location information is generated and provided to a user. This process enables easier sharing of location information in a human-friendly rather than machine-friendly manner.