Apple Inc. (AAPL) Hoping to Create Better Navigation System with this Patent

Although Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) missed out on a deal with Waze, the Cupertino based company continues to consider its options when it comes to crowd sourced navigation. Where the company goes from here nobody knows for sure, however, a recent patent filing shows that Apple is most definitely interested in this space.

The patent was published yesterday with this title: User-Specified Route Rating and Alerts

Much the same as Waze, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is relying on “user-specified route rating and alerts” as a means of providing routing information.

Here is the abstract which explains the technology in greater detail:

“In some implementations, a user can provide ratings for routes, streets and/or locations. In some implementations, the user can initiate an alert associated with a location. In some implementations, user-specified ratings and alerts can be included in a route determination. In some implementations, route rating and alert information can be transmitted to other users and/or devices.”

Route selection based on user ratings is something this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) app is relying heavily upon. In the patent, several examples are given such as one in which the user may opt for a “scenic route” in the input field. The ability to choose from one more or more pre-defined routes allows the user to select the route that is best for him or her.

Although Apple never refers to the technology as crowd sourcing, this is exactly what it is doing. Here is more on some of the unique features the company could bring to the table in the near future:

“In some implementations, the computing device can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, the computing device can include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod. The computing device can, therefore, include a 36-pin connector that is compatible with the iPod. Other input/output and control devices can also be used.”

This Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was originally filed for on December 28, 2011. The sole inventor is listed as Jorge S. Fino.

Are you still not understanding what this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent is all about? Sometimes all it takes is an image to get a better feel for something. On the next page you will find an image, direct from the patent filing, that will help you better realize what Apple is trying to accomplish.