Route Evaluation System for Truck Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems, particularly for large trucks, face challenges in determining suitable routes due to the 'last mile' problem, where destination locations are often not directly accessible by roadways included in commercial databases, leading to unreliable route planning and potential impassable sections.
Innovation Solution
A route evaluation system that includes a processor, database, and computer-readable media to retrieve and analyze roadway data, compute navigation parameters, and compare them to vehicle maneuverability parameters, ensuring route suitability by iteratively determining and evaluating routes based on geodetic coordinates, curvature, and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If commercial navigation databases are used for route planning, then route planning functionality is provided, but the databases lack information for the final portion of the route (last mile problem)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the route into two segments: the portion covered by commercial navigation databases and the final 'last mile' portion. By segmenting the route planning problem, the system can use reliable database information for the majority of the route while applying specialized evaluation methods for the final segment where database information is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation process that bridges the gap between commercial database route recommendations and actual vehicle accessibility. This intermediary system uses multiple attributes (road classification, name analysis, map depiction) to evaluate whether the database-recommended route is actually suitable for the specific vehicle.
2Reliability
If subjective methods are used to analyze the last mile of the route, then route evaluation is performed, but the results are unreliable and may plan impassable sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the subjective route evaluation process into an objective parameter-based analysis. Instead of relying on driver intuition or simple visual inspection, the system analyzes multiple quantifiable parameters including road classification codes, road name keywords, map line thickness, and curvature metrics to systematically evaluate route suitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the evaluation of route attributes feeds into the final route selection process. The system continuously refines route recommendations based on the objective analysis of multiple attributes, adjusting the route to ensure it meets vehicle-specific maneuverability requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple route attributes are analyzed to evaluate the last mile, then route suitability is assessed, but the evaluation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal evaluation framework that handles multiple different attributes (road classification, name analysis, map depiction, curvature) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach allows the same evaluation process to assess various types of route attributes consistently, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple parameters being analyzed.
Data Source
AI summary
A route evaluation system includes a processor, a computer readable memory and a database that stores roadway data pertaining to a route. A first routine is arranged to obtain selected roadway data from the database. A second routine is arranged to determine a route from an origin to a destination based at least in part on the roadway data. A third routine is arranged to compute a set of navigation parameters for the route. A fourth routine is arranged to compare the set of navigation parameters to at least one vehicle maneuverability parameter of a vehicle.