Mobility-Aware Path Calculator with Reliability Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile computing devices with geo-locating capabilities do not provide turn-by-turn directions that account for the mobility limitations of users, such as those in wheelchairs, leading to unhelpful navigation through challenging terrain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that tracks users with specific mobility classes, adjusts reliability scores for geographical features based on deviations from calculated paths, and calculates alternative paths with reliability scores for display to users, allowing them to choose paths based on reliability, distance, and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If turn-by-turn directions are provided for the general population, then navigation speed and efficiency are improved, but usability for users with mobility limitations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specialized path calculation algorithms tailored to specific mobility classes (e.g., wheelchair users, pedestrians). Instead of a single general-purpose navigation system, the system divides users into different mobility classes and provides customized route recommendations that account for the specific terrain challenges each class faces, such as avoiding cracked sidewalks for wheelchair users while maintaining fast routing for able-bodied users.
2Device complexity
If standardized turn-by-turn directions are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different mobility needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional navigation system that can serve multiple mobility classes through a single unified platform. The system includes a mobility class identification module that automatically detects or queries the user's mobility class, then dynamically selects appropriate path calculation algorithms and terrain accessibility data. This allows one system to provide specialized routing for wheelchair users, pedestrians, and other mobility classes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each group.
3Speed
If general population routing algorithms are used, then calculation speed is improved, but path reliability for users with mobility limitations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing accessibility characteristics of geographical features (such as sidewalk conditions, ramp availability, and terrain difficulty) in a database before actual navigation occurs. When a user requests routing, the system quickly retrieves pre-analyzed terrain data and combines it with mobility class-specific algorithms to generate reliable paths. This pre-processing approach maintains calculation speed while significantly improving path reliability for users with mobility limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system, and computer program product for providing turn-by-turn directions to mobility impaired individuals. Movement of users associated with certain mobility classes are tracked to determine when the users deviate from certain geographical features, such as sections of sidewalk. In the event of a deviation, a reliability score for that geographical feature is decreased. When another user of the same mobility class requests directions and a candidate path uses the same geographical feature, the decreased reliability score is applied to that candidate path to provide the other user with an indication that the path may be difficult to traverse. The user may select a different candidate path with a higher reliability score.