Open Area Map Routing via Grid Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems are inadequate for areas without defined paths, such as building floors and parks, as they do not account for the freedom of movement and lack of directional restrictions, leading to inefficient routes due to confusion or lack of knowledge about the layout.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating routable open area maps using pre-existing images of layouts, which include applying a grid or mesh over the images to designate navigable and non-navigable areas, allowing users to create and display routable maps for pedestrian navigation in unconstrained geographic areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional navigation systems are used in open areas without defined paths, then the system structure remains simple, but the routing efficiency and navigation accuracy deteriorate due to lack of path constraints and user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The open area is divided into a grid of navigable and non-navigable zones, transforming the continuous space into discrete segments that can be systematically processed for route planning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays a two-dimensional grid structure onto the planar open area, adding a systematic dimensional framework that enables algorithmic route calculation while preserving the original spatial freedom
2Measurement precision
If open area maps with detailed grid information are created, then navigation accuracy and route optimization improve, but the data processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified digital copy of the open area as a routable map with grid overlay, which replicates the essential navigable and non-navigable characteristics without requiring complex three-dimensional or real-time data processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If routable maps are generated from existing images, then the adaptability to different open areas improves, but the automated processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid-based map generation system is designed to work universally with any open area image (building floors, parks, plazas), applying the same processing methodology across different environments without requiring area-specific customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes input images to generate routable maps with embedded navigation data, enabling the map to serve its own navigation function without requiring external manual annotation or programming for each specific area
Data Source
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AI summary
Open area maps as well as related features, systems, and methods are disclosed. For example, one method comprises translating coordinates associated with an open area map into real-world coordinates. The open area map is positioned within a geographic map as a function of the real-world coordinates. The geographic map represents a real-world area around the open area map. The open area map includes an image of a layout representing a pedestrian walkable area, and the open area map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.