Route Stress Index Calculation for Safer Navigation Decisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigation systems do not consider potential accident risks associated with recommended routes, failing to account for stress induced by road conditions, which can contribute to increased accident likelihood.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for determining a stress index of a route by dividing it into links and intersections, calculating the stress index for each segment based on complexity attributes, and combining these to obtain an overall stress index for the route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional navigation systems recommend routes based on speed or distance, then routing efficiency is improved, but accident risk increases due to unaccounted stress factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting efficiencyVSAvoidaccident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new parameter (stress index) to the routing system, transforming the route selection criteria from purely efficiency-based (time, distance) to a multi-parameter approach that includes stress factors. This allows the system to evaluate and compare routes based on both efficiency and safety metrics, resolving the contradiction by changing the evaluation parameters rather than sacrificing one for the other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stress index calculation system acts as an intermediary between the route planning function and the safety assessment. It processes cartographic data, road condition information, and traffic data to generate a stress index that mediates the conflict between efficient routing and safe routing, enabling the navigation system to recommend routes that balance both objectives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the route is divided into multiple links and intersections for stress analysis, then measurement precision of stress index is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress index accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the route into discrete links and intersections, allowing the stress index to be calculated for each segment independently based on its specific characteristics (number of lanes, presence of traffic lights, intersection complexity). This segmentation enables precise measurement of stress factors at each segment while using standardized calculation methods that prevent the system complexity from becoming unmanageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4495550A1Method and system for determining a stress index of a route
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4495550A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

A computer implemented method for determining a stress index of a route, comprising: determining, based on a cartographic representation, at least one route from a first point to a second point; dividing, by a stress index determination system, the at least one route into one or more links and/or intersections; determining, by the stress index determination system, the stress for the at least one or more links and/or intersections; combining, by the stress index determination system, the stress of the one or more links and/or intersections to obtain an overall stress index of the one or more routes.