A primer of picture-aided navigation in mobile systems

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to present a new concept regarding the way of explaining itineraries based on pictures in mobile systems. Instead of presenting a map, or a list of words, an original method is proposed based on a picture database and handheld devices. Knowing the exact position of the user, the system will sent him regularly pictures of the way where to go. This system is especially targeted not for drivers but for pedestrians essentially in tourist cities. In order to reach this objective, pictures were taken along each street both ways. Thus, a picture database was built for which the more common query is to compute the minimum path for going from one place to another. The result format is initially presented as a sequence of nodes and edges; then this sequence is transformed into a sequence of pictures. Those pictures are then sent to the user according to his position and his pace. In order to help the user, the pictures are decorated with arrows. This presentation is based on two prototypes made within a French- Argentinean collaboration. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.