Trail Navigation System Using Historical Data Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation systems and mapping technologies fail to effectively operate in non-urban areas, particularly for users who walk, hike, or bike, as they lack adequate mapping and navigation capabilities for non-vehicular routes and trails, and do not account for the specific needs and characteristics of these users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a server and end-user devices that generate and provide real-time navigation data, including turn-by-turn directions, using GPS, historical data, and user-specific information to estimate missing trail segments and provide efficient mapping in non-urban areas, while also conserving battery power through data encoding and reducing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional navigation systems are used in non-urban areas, then basic navigation functionality is provided, but accurate trail route mapping and navigation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting historical location data from multiple users who have traversed the same or similar trails. This historical data is stored and processed in advance to create reference trail routes, which are then used to estimate and fill in missing segments of current user trails, thereby improving mapping accuracy in non-urban areas without requiring real-time comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism using historical user location data as a mediator between known trail segments and unknown gaps. By analyzing patterns from multiple users' historical trajectories, the system infers probable trail routes through undeveloped areas, effectively bridging the gap between sparse mapping data and complete trail coverage.
2Measurement precision
If continuous location data is transmitted for accurate navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but battery power is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the system implements periodic action by transmitting location data at predetermined time intervals or distance intervals. This approach maintains sufficient navigation accuracy for trail following while significantly reducing the frequency of transmissions, thereby conserving battery power on mobile devices used by hikers and travelers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of location data required for navigation accuracy. Rather than continuously streaming all available sensor data, the system selectively transmits key location points that are sufficient for trail route estimation and navigation, reducing overall data transmission volume and energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If detailed location data is transmitted for navigation, then route accuracy is improved, but bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential location data elements required for accurate trail route determination, separating them from unnecessary data. By identifying and transmitting only the critical coordinates and timestamps needed for navigation, the system achieves sufficient route accuracy while minimizing bandwidth consumption for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits a partial set of location data that is sufficient for navigation purposes rather than complete continuous data streams. This partial transmission approach maintains the necessary precision for trail following while reducing the total volume of data transmitted, thereby conserving bandwidth resources.
4Ease of operation
If real-time navigation data is provided to all users, then user guidance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling users to receive navigation guidance based on their own historical location data and the aggregated historical data from other users. The server automatically processes and matches users with relevant trail routes using their device identifiers and location information, providing personalized navigation without requiring complex manual intervention or centralized real-time tracking of all users.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods of navigation in tracks and trails. A system includes a smartphone or other portable electronic device. The system generates and provides navigation data and mapping data to travelers, particularly in walking trails; and generates a video clip or other multimedia presentation that incorporates trip data, images, audio, and a reconstructed map of the route. An administrator or operator of a nature center or an attraction or other venue, operates the system to obtain real-time information about travelers within the venue, and to selectively provide data and messages to some or all of such travelers.