Mobile Device Navigation Data Retention for Offline Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices struggle to provide navigation instructions when a destination is in an area with no wireless network coverage, as they cannot access servers to download map and route data for subsequent navigation sessions.

Innovation Solution

The mobile device retains map and route data from a previous navigation session if the destination is determined to be in a no wireless network coverage area, allowing for subsequent navigation away from the destination without relying on network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the mobile device erases received map and route data after reaching the destination, then memory is freed for new navigation sessions, but the device cannot access servers to download map and route data for subsequent navigation sessions in areas with no network connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory availabilityVSAvoidnavigation capability in no-coverage areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device determines whether the destination is located in a no wireless network coverage area before erasing navigation data. If the destination is in such an area, the device retains the map and route data in memory instead of erasing it, thereby preparing for potential subsequent navigation sessions that may require offline access to this data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the mobile device retains map and route data in memory, then subsequent navigation sessions can be supported in no-coverage areas, but memory resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation capability in no-coverage areasVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device applies different data retention policies based on the local characteristic of the destination location. Specifically, it checks whether the destination is in a no wireless network coverage area and only retains navigation data when this condition is met, rather than universally retaining data for all destinations. This localized approach ensures memory is preserved when not needed while maintaining navigation reliability where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3701225B9Method and apparatus for navigation based on route reuse
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3701225B9 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3701225B9 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3701225B9 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A mobile device (100) includes processor (710) coupled to memory (714), an input device, an output device, and a wireless transceiver (704, 706). The mobile device (100) can determine whether a destination is in a no wireless network coverage area. If so, then the route data used to provide navigation instructions to the destination is retained in the memory (714) of the mobile device (100). In subsequent navigation, the mobile device (100) can use the route data for navigation to a subsequent destination.