Waypoint Reduction for Accurate Navigation Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing the number of waypoints in wireless communications devices for displaying paths on maps result in inaccurate route tracing, especially in areas with many roads, due to the need to minimize data transmission, leading to deviations from the actual route and reduced navigation guidance.
Innovation Solution
A method that preferentially eliminates waypoints distal to decision points while retaining those proximal to them, ensuring accurate path representation near critical points, thereby maintaining navigation accuracy while reducing the overall number of waypoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If waypoints are reduced to minimize data transmission, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but path accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between critical areas (near decision points) and non-critical areas (between decision points). Waypoints are retained with high density near decision points to ensure accurate path representation, while waypoints are reduced in density in non-critical areas. This selective approach maintains navigation accuracy where it matters most while minimizing data transmission overall.
2Quantity of substance
If waypoints are reduced to optimize bandwidth usage, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but route tracing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different waypoint density standards to different segments of the path. Critical segments near decision points maintain high waypoint density for accurate route tracing, while non-critical segments use reduced waypoint density to minimize bandwidth consumption. This localized approach optimizes bandwidth usage without sacrificing route tracing accuracy in critical areas.
3Device complexity
If straight line segments are used to represent path between waypoints, then device complexity is reduced, but path accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using straight line segments only in non-critical areas between decision points, while maintaining higher waypoint density in critical areas. This approach reduces device complexity through simple linear interpolation where acceptable, while preserving path accuracy in critical navigation areas through increased waypoint density.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing waypoints representing a path defined along a route between two endpoints. The route includes a set of critical points including the endpoints and any decision points of the route intermediate the two endpoints. One or more waypoints of the path that are distal each critical point are eliminated, while retaining waypoints that are proximal each critical point. This enables the computation of a reduced waypoint path which provides accurate route-following in the vicinity of each critical point of the route.