Pedestrian Navigation System Using Mobile Device Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for mobile devices lack convenience and functionality in guiding users to places of interest while exploring, as they require pre-selected destinations and are not well-suited for pedestrian navigation, and existing social networking methods are cumbersome for sharing location information.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system and method that uses a mobile device with a database storing location records, allowing users to determine their current location and select places to visit based on predetermined criteria, providing directions and enabling users to contribute to the database with location information, thereby enhancing exploration experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional navigation systems are used for mobile devices, then users can receive direction information to a specified destination, but the system requires pre-selected destinations and is not suitable for pedestrian navigation or exploring places of interest
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to specify a destination and receive directions (traditional approach), the system inverts the process by automatically detecting the user's current location and providing information about places of interest nearby, allowing users to discover destinations rather than navigate to pre-selected ones
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to contribute location information and place data through their own mobile devices, allowing the database to be built and maintained by user-generated content rather than requiring manual curation or extensive pre-programming
2Measurement precision
If satellite navigation systems are used for pedestrian navigation, then users can receive location and direction information, but the system is inconvenient and cumbersome for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the mobile device's existing location determination capabilities (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) that are already integrated into smartphones, eliminating the need for separate satellite navigation hardware while maintaining location accuracy for pedestrian navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines navigation functionality with the mobile device's existing communication and information processing capabilities, merging what were previously separate functions (location tracking, information display, communication) into a single integrated system
3Loss of information
If social networking websites are used to share location information, then users can share movements and experiences with others, but the system requires HTTP access, log in procedures, and extensive text entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential function of location sharing from complex social networking platforms, providing location and experience sharing capabilities through simple mobile device interactions without requiring full web browser access, authentication systems, or extensive text input
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a navigation system for guiding a user of a mobile device to a plurality of locations including a storage means adapted to store a database comprising a plurality of records, each record comprising location data indicative of the location of a respective place; a mobile device; a location determination means adapted to determine a current location of the mobile device; and a processing means adapted to use the database and current location to select, according to at least one predetermined criterion, a location that the user is directed towards, wherein the mobile device is adapted to provide the user with an indicator arranged to direct the user to the selected place.