Portable Navigation Device POI Selection Using Utility Usage Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS receivers do not account for the variability of points of interest (POI) over time, leading to user frustration and wasted time and fuel when arriving at closed POIs, especially in unfamiliar territories.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the probability of a selected POI being open for commercial transactions at an estimated time of arrival by using utility usage data and confidence levels, which are sent to a portable navigation device via a network, allowing users to make informed decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If POI databases are pre-loaded with basic information (name, address, phone number), then the device provides basic navigation functionality, but the system cannot determine whether the POI is open at the estimated time of arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces utility usage data as an intermediary indicator to infer POI operational status. Instead of directly monitoring POI status, the system uses utility consumption patterns (electricity, water, gas) as a proxy to determine whether a POI is likely open or closed at the estimated arrival time, resolving the contradiction by adding indirect measurement capability without direct POI integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-collects and stores utility usage data for multiple POIs before navigation queries are made. This preliminary data gathering enables rapid probability calculations when users query POI availability, avoiding real-time data collection complexity while maintaining reliable availability predictions
2Loss of time
If the GPS receiver provides POI information without time variability, then the device structure remains simple, but users arrive at closed POIs causing wasted time and fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static POI data into dynamic probability assessments by incorporating time-based utility usage patterns. The system calculates the probability that a POI is open at the estimated arrival time using historical utility data, allowing users to make informed decisions about POI availability without adding complex real-time monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about the likelihood of POI availability based on utility usage patterns. This feedback mechanism enables users to adjust their navigation decisions (such as selecting alternative POIs or adjusting arrival times) without requiring the system to directly control POI operations, maintaining simplicity while reducing wasted time
3Loss of information
If utility usage data is collected and stored for multiple POIs, then the probability of POI availability can be determined, but the data storage and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential utility usage data needed to determine POI availability probabilities, rather than storing complete operational records. By focusing on key utility consumption patterns (electricity, water, gas) and their temporal variations, the system maintains accurate availability information while minimizing data storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects utility data at sufficient detail to accurately predict POI status but avoids excessive data collection. By using utility usage patterns as a partial indicator rather than comprehensive monitoring, the system achieves reliable availability information without the burden of complete real-time operational data storage for all POIs
Data Source
AI summary
A probability that a selected point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions is determined. In response to receiving a mailing address of a selected candidate point of interest and a calculated estimated time of arrival, it is determined whether the mailing address of the selected candidate point of interest is stored in a data storage device. In response to determining that the mailing address of the selected candidate point of interest is stored in the data storage device, a percentage probability that the selected candidate point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions at the calculated estimated time of arrival is assigned based on utility usage data and a confidence level associated with the utility usage data stored in the data storage device. The percentage probability that the selected candidate point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions is sent via the network.