Military Installation Navigation Using Building Identifier Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapping and navigation applications are ineffective for navigating military installations due to the lack of street addresses or geographic locations, making it difficult for newcomers to find specific buildings, fields, or other features within secure areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that maps each building on a military installation to a set of coordinates, allowing users to find buildings by their unique identifiers such as building numbers, which are searchable and mappable using a database/application combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mapping and navigation applications are used, then navigation in areas with street names and addresses is effective, but navigation in secure military installations without street addresses becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coordinate data and unique building identifiers as intermediary elements between the user and the physical buildings. Instead of relying on traditional street addresses, the system uses a coordinate-based reference system where each building is assigned unique coordinates and identifiers, enabling navigation in secure areas through digital mediation rather than physical address signs
Solution Approach 2:
The system fundamentally changes the addressing parameter from textual street addresses to numerical coordinate systems. By transforming the navigation reference from human-readable street names to precise coordinate data, the system enables location identification in environments where traditional addressing conventions do not apply
2Area of stationary object
If printed maps are used for navigation, then coverage area can be large, but the maps become outdated quickly due to changes in street names and newly constructed roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static printed maps to dynamic digital mapping systems that can be updated in real-time. The coordinate-based system allows for continuous updates of building locations, new constructions, and route changes without requiring physical map replacement, maintaining reliability while covering large areas through digital storage and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides location identification, route calculation, and real-time navigation guidance. This universal coordinate-based approach replaces the need for multiple specialized maps, as the same system handles various navigation scenarios from large-area overview to precise building location
3Extent of automation
If GPS-equipped smartphones are used, then automatic updates with latest navigational data are available, but the devices require data signals which may not be available in secure areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading coordinate data, building identifiers, and route information onto the device before entering secure areas. This advance preparation ensures that navigation functionality remains operational without requiring real-time data connections, as all necessary navigational data is stored locally for offline use
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for providing an electronic search and guidance application that uses non-address destination designations. In one embodiment, data corresponding to at least a portion of an identifier of a military installation feature is received from a client device. A geographic location corresponding to the identifier of the military installation feature is determined based in part on location data that associates the identifier of the military installation feature to the geographic location. A user interface that indicates the geographic location is encoded for display.