Navigation System Multi-Language Interface Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

GPS navigation systems are limited by single-language interfaces, requiring users to purchase separate devices for different languages, which is inconvenient and wasteful, especially in multilingual regions like Europe.

Innovation Solution

A navigation system that allows users to switch between multiple language interfaces through a storage unit, BIOS, setup module, memory module, and control module, enabling language selection during boot-up and hot-swapping without the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a GPS navigation system is built-in with an operating interface in one single language, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the adaptability to different user needs and regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage interface adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-language support by integrating multiple language interfaces within a single GPS navigation system. The system can switch between different languages (e.g., Chinese, English, Korean) based on user selection, making one device universal for multiple language regions. This eliminates the need for users to purchase separate devices for different countries, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the language interface functionality from the core navigation system. Language data is stored separately in ROM, and the system loads only the selected language into RAM during operation. This segmentation allows multiple languages to be supported without permanently increasing the active system complexity, as only one language occupies memory at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a GPS navigation system stores multiple language interfaces in ROM, then the adaptability improves, but the memory capacity requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-language supportVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides language data storage between ROM and RAM. Multiple language interfaces are stored in ROM (permanent storage), but only the selected language is loaded into RAM (temporary memory) during operation. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple languages without permanently occupying large amounts of expensive RAM, thus improving adaptability while controlling memory capacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary loading of language data from ROM to RAM when a language selection is made. This preliminary action prepares the selected language interface in advance for immediate use, allowing the system to maintain multiple languages in compact ROM storage while providing fast access to the active language in RAM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a GPS navigation system requires cold boot for language switching, then the language interface can be changed, but the loss of time increases due to reinitialization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage switching capabilityVSAvoidreinitialization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic language switching mechanism that allows users to change languages during system operation without requiring a cold boot. The control module detects language switching commands and dynamically loads the selected language from ROM to RAM while the system remains running. This dynamic approach maintains adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with full system reinitialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary preparation by keeping all language interfaces stored in ROM ready for immediate loading. When a language switch is requested, the system only needs to load the new language data from ROM to RAM and switch the active interface, rather than reinitializing the entire system. This preliminary preparation of language data significantly reduces the time required for language switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8060736B2Navigation system and method with switchable multi-language interfaces

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 MITAC INT CORP

AI summary

A navigation system and method that allows switching between multi-language operating interfaces. It provides multi-language operating interfaces in the storage unit of the navigation system. During the navigation system operation, the user is prompted by Basic Input Output System (BIOS) to select a language of operating interface to display. The navigation system is then installed by executing the index file of the selected language to display the navigation system operating interface in the selected language.