Textual Direction Generation from GPS Positional Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional GPS-based systems lack the ability to automatically generate textual directions from positional data, limiting users' capacity to share and navigate routes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that processes positional data to generate textual directions by correlating GPS data with stored map and route network data, creating a routing graph, and then producing navigational instructions based on this graph.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If GPS positional data is uploaded to Internet-based resources, then the data can be displayed on electronic maps, but the system lacks the ability to automatically generate textual directions from the positional data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion capability to textual directionsVSAvoidsystem functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between uploaded GPS positional data and the final textual directions. This intermediary automatically correlates GPS data with map and route network data to generate human-readable directional instructions, bridging the gap between raw position data and useful navigation information without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of converting GPS coordinates to directions with an automated computational system. The system uses algorithmic processing to correlate positional data with map databases and automatically generate textual directions, eliminating the need for manual coordinate transformation and direction writing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual conversion of GPS data to directions is performed, then directional information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection generation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-correlating GPS positional data with map and route network data in an automated process. The system proactively generates the routing graph and directional instructions immediately upon data upload, eliminating the need for subsequent manual conversion steps and significantly reducing the time required to obtain usable directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically processing uploaded GPS data through correlation with map databases, routing graph generation, and textual direction creation without requiring external manual intervention. The entire conversion process is autonomous, from data reception to final direction output, dramatically improving productivity while eliminating time loss associated with manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If GPS positional data is shared with other users, then route information can be exchanged, but without automated direction generation the shared data remains difficult to interpret and use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute sharing capabilityVSAvoidusability of shared route data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated direction generation system that transforms raw GPS positional data into user-friendly textual directions before sharing. This intermediary processing ensures that shared route information is immediately usable and easily interpretable by other users, enhancing both the adaptability of the sharing system and the ease of operation for end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the format and presentation of route data from raw GPS coordinates to structured textual directions with clear navigation instructions. This parameter transformation makes the shared data more adaptable to different user needs and significantly easier to operate with, as users receive ready-to-follow directions rather than requiring them to interpret coordinate data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2454556B1Systems and methods for improved generation of textual directions based on positional information
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • EP2454556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2454556B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2454556B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for providing improved generation of textual directions based on positional information. In an implementation, textual directions for traversing a path are generated based on positional information associated with the path. According to a method, positional information that specifies a longitude and latitude at a plurality of times is received and processed to generate a routing graph. The generated routing graph includes nodes and route links that connect the plurality of nodes. Textual directions are generated for traversing a path associated with the positional data, based in part on link information associated with the links of the generated routing graph.