Path-Based Image Grouping for Navigation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently group and display sequences of images that represent journeys along real-world demarked paths, such as roads or footpaths, which hinders image processing efficiency and user navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies sequences of images as corresponding to real-world demarked paths by analyzing factors like the number of geographic locations, average distance and angle between captures, and efficient visitation order, using a classifier to generate a confidence indicator and chain images accordingly for efficient display and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If images are linked to all other images within a threshold geographic distance, then comprehensive image coverage is achieved, but memory usage and processing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image linking problem by introducing path-based grouping that divides images into distinct path segments. Instead of creating links between all images within a geographic threshold, images are segmented into path-specific chains where each image is linked only to its immediate predecessors and successors along the demarked path. This segmentation reduces the number of links from O(n²) potential connections to O(n) linear connections along the path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path identifiers and path-based grouping structures as intermediaries between images and their links. Rather than directly linking images based on geographic proximity, an intermediary path structure is created that organizes images into sequential chains. This intermediary layer filters and directs links only along valid path segments, eliminating spurious links to images that are geographically close but not on the same demarked path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are presented with all adjacent images for selection, then complete navigation options are provided, but user input errors increase and navigation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes invalid navigation options from the user interface by implementing path-based filtering. Instead of presenting all geographically adjacent images as navigation options, the system extracts only those images that lie on the demarked path between the user's current position and the destination. This extraction eliminates spurious options that would lead users off the intended path, thereby reducing input errors while maintaining complete valid navigation options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that dynamically adjust navigation options based on the user's current position and the demarked path. As users progress along the path, the system provides feedback by updating the available next-step options to reflect only valid path continuations. This feedback loop prevents users from selecting images that would deviate from the demarked path, thereby reducing navigation errors while maintaining adaptability to the user's progress.
3Productivity
If images are processed without path-based grouping, then all images can be individually accessed, but processing efficiency and memory utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges images that belong to the same demarked path into unified path-based groups or chains. By combining related images into structured path segments, the system reduces redundant data structures and memory overhead. Instead of maintaining separate link information for each image to all its neighbors, merged path groups share common path metadata and use efficient linear linking within each path, thereby reducing overall memory usage while improving processing efficiency through localized operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a computer-implemented method which comprises receiving a plurality of images captured by at least one user device, wherein each image is associated with one of a corresponding plurality of geographic locations; determining a path between the plurality of geographic locations; determining a confidence indicator representative of whether the determined path corresponds to a demarked path, wherein determining the confidence indicator comprises determining a time of capture of each of the plurality of images; identifying the path as corresponding to a demarked route, based on the confidence indicator; and marking the plurality of images for display as a demarked route.