Landmark Image Navigation System for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation systems rely on maps and GPS coordinates, which can be complex for users to interpret, especially in unfamiliar areas, and do not effectively utilize the capabilities of mobile devices for user-friendly navigation.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that uses a mobile device to receive and display a series of images representing locations, allowing users to navigate by recognizing landmarks, with a server storing and compiling images into routes based on location, mode of transport, and distance, and enabling users to contribute and vote on image usefulness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional navigation systems use maps and GPS coordinates, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but user-friendliness and ease of interpretation deteriorate in unfamiliar areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photographic images (copies of real-world locations) instead of abstract maps to represent navigation routes. Users receive actual photographs of landmarks and streets along their route, making unfamiliar areas recognizable and interpretable without requiring users to understand map symbols or coordinates.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of showing users an abstract representation (map) that requires interpretation, the system inverts the approach by showing users the actual visual appearance of locations (photographs). This reverses the traditional mapping approach and directly presents recognizable visual information.
2Measurement precision
If detailed maps are provided to ensure accurate navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity and data transmission requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual information (photographs of key landmarks and locations) from complete map data. Instead of transmitting entire map datasets, the system selectively sends only the photographic images needed for specific route segments, reducing data complexity while maintaining navigation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation route is divided into segments with photographs taken at intervals along the route. Rather than providing continuous detailed map coverage, the system segments the journey into discrete photographic stops, reducing overall data requirements while maintaining precision at key navigation points.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive route information is transmitted to ensure complete navigation guidance, then information completeness is improved, but transmission time and data volume worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits a partial set of information - only the photographic images necessary for visual navigation - rather than attempting to transmit complete navigation data including all map layers, traffic information, and alternative routes. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for effective navigation without the overhead of comprehensive data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing navigational instructions. A signal is received from a first device. The signal specifies a destination location, a second device, and a request for at least one route leading to the destination location such that the at least one route is to be sent to the second device. During or after the signal is received from the first device, a device type of the second device is determined. At least one set of images is sent to the second device. Each set of images defines a unique route leading to the destination location. A total number of the sets of images and a content of each set of images are a function of the determined device type.