Multi-Party Navigation via Server-Based SMS Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigational systems are often expensive, limited to single-user usage, and require knowledge of both the starting and ending locations, failing to provide efficient multi-party navigation and venue-specific information.
Innovation Solution
A multi-party navigational software system that uses a server-based application to generate and send routes via SMS or email, allowing multiple users to share maps and navigate using GPS, with features like 'meet me here' or 'meet me there' functionalities, and content changeable smartphone applications for venues, providing informational tours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a navigational system is purchased and installed, then navigation functionality is available, but the cost is high and it is limited to single-user usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between multiple users and the navigation system. The server hosts the navigation application and communicates with multiple mobile devices, enabling multi-user access without requiring each user to have a separate navigation system installation. This resolves the contradiction by providing multi-user capability through a centralized intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation application is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple users through a single deployment on the server. The same application instance can simultaneously provide navigation services to multiple users, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate installations for each user.
2Ease of operation
If traditional navigational systems are used, then route guidance is provided, but users must know both starting and ending locations in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to share their current location and receive navigation assistance without needing to manually input location details. The application automatically detects and shares location information between users, allowing a user to simply share their location with another user who can then provide direction guidance, eliminating the need for the guiding user to know exact locations in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time location feedback to participating users. When one user shares their location, the other user receives updated location information and can provide guidance based on current positions rather than requiring pre-knowledge of exact destinations. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic navigation assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If venue-specific information is provided, then user experience is enhanced, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having users register and provide venue information in advance. Users can pre-register venues they frequent or plan to visit, and the system stores this information beforehand. When navigation is needed, the system can quickly retrieve and provide venue-specific information without requiring complex real-time processing, thus enhancing user experience while managing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, multi-user navigation without upfront purchases, allowing users to navigate without knowing exact locations, and provides venue-specific information, enhancing user experience and safety with customizable route updates and parental tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The application operates with the global positioning system ('GPS') of the recipient's smart phone to track the position of the smart phone
Data Source
AI summary
A navigational system and method includes an application provided on a user's communication and data transfer device (“cdd”), the cdd including a display device and a speaker, the application including logic configured to cause (i) the display device to display a map showing a current location of the user relative to a desired location, (ii) the speaker at certain times to automatically provide audible route instructions, and (iii) a selectable button to be displayed on the display device, wherein when selected by the user the button is configured to initiate an audible route instruction using the user's current location to be provided by the speaker.