Navigation System with User-Defined Intermediate Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation applications on mobile devices do not allow users to customize calculated paths by inputting intermediate points or additional path information, and they recalculate paths if the user deviates from the original route.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables users to define custom paths by inputting starting, destination, and intermediate points, allowing for specific street or highway preferences, and stores this information for navigation, using a network of mobile and stationary devices connected via a server to provide real-time path information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If navigation applications automatically recalculate paths when users deviate from the original route, then the system maintains optimal routing efficiency, but the user loses the ability to customize and control their own navigation path
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path calculation based on user-defined parameters (starting point, destination, intermediate points, preferences) before the user actually travels. This allows the system to prepare optimal routes in advance while respecting user customization requirements, resolving the contradiction between automated efficiency and user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts between automated path recalculation and user-defined path following based on real-time conditions. When users intentionally deviate, the system recognizes this as a user preference and adapts by calculating new paths based on the updated current location, rather than forcing return to the original calculated path.
2Productivity
If navigation applications provide automated path calculation from starting to destination points, then the system ensures optimal route guidance, but the user cannot input intermediate points or additional path information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation path into multiple controllable components: starting point, one or more intermediate points, and destination point. Users can independently define each segment, allowing granular control over the journey while the system efficiently calculates the overall optimal route through these user-defined waypoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multi-functional path calculation capabilities that handle both simple point-to-point navigation and complex multi-stop routing with user-defined preferences. The same core navigation engine serves both automated optimal routing and user-customized path planning, making the system versatile without requiring separate specialized systems.
3Productivity
If navigation applications force users to return to the calculated path when deviating, then the system maintains routing optimization, but the user experience becomes restrictive and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user position and compares it with the calculated path, providing feedback in the form of updated routing suggestions. When users deviate, the system detects this through GPS feedback and responds by offering new path options that incorporate the user's actual location and intended direction, rather than forcing return to the original path.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing users to conform to the pre-calculated optimal path, the system inverts the approach by having users define their preferred path characteristics (intermediate points, avoided areas, preferred routes) and then calculating the optimal path that accommodates these user-defined constraints, making the system adapt to the user rather than the user adapting to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives, from a user device, a user-defined starting point associated with a path to be navigated by a user associated with the user device, a user-defined destination point associated with the path, and one or more user-defined intermediate points provided between the user-defined starting point and the user-defined destination point. The device also creates a user-defined path based on the user-defined starting point, the user-defined destination point, and the one or more user-defined intermediate points, and provides the user-defined path to the user device.