Navigation Route Optimization Using Environmental Complexity Weights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems do not effectively consider time-varying environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and temperature when determining routes, which can be undesirable for users based on their preferences, leading to suboptimal route selection.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that calculates path weights based on environmental complexity parameters, prioritizing user-preferred conditions like shade from sunlight or reduced wind resistance by using geographical data and weather information, optimizing routes to minimize undesirable environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If navigation systems select the shortest path or fastest path, then travel time is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to unfavorable environmental conditions such as direct sunlight or strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameters by incorporating environmental complexity parameters into the path weight calculation. Instead of only considering distance and time, the system now evaluates environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, wind conditions, and temperature, transforming the routing problem from a simple shortest-path calculation to a multi-parameter optimization problem that balances speed and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different environmental complexity values to different path segments based on their specific environmental characteristics. Each path segment is evaluated individually for environmental conditions, allowing the system to identify and select segments with more favorable local environmental qualities even if the overall route is slightly longer
2Ease of operation
If navigation systems prioritize user comfort by selecting paths with favorable environmental conditions, then user preference satisfaction is improved, but travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing users to adjust the weight of environmental factors in the path weight calculation. Instead of forcing a complete optimization for environmental comfort, the system allows partial consideration of environmental factors based on user preferences, achieving a balance between comfort and efficiency rather than extreme optimization in one direction
3Productivity
If navigation systems incorporate environmental factors into route determination, then route optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating environmental complexity parameters for path segments and storing them for later use. Instead of performing complex environmental assessments in real-time during route determination, the system prepares environmental data in advance, reducing the computational burden during actual routing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a general framework for environmental complexity assessment that can be applied to different environmental factors (sunlight, wind, temperature) and different transportation modes. The same basic algorithm and data structures are used regardless of the specific environmental factor being considered, reducing overall system complexity through reuse
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include determining, by a navigation system, a route to a destination from an initial position of the navigation system, the route comprising a plurality of edges of a graph representing a map of navigable paths, where each edge represents a path through an environment, the path connecting a first vertex and a second vertex, and each vertex represents at least one of: an endpoint of a path or a junction of two or more paths. Determining the route may include determining an environmental complexity parameter in view of one or more time-varying environmental characteristics of the path at a current time, determining a weight of the edge in view of the environmental complexity parameter, and assigning the weight to the edge, where the route is determined in view of the weight of the edge.