Client: Maptech
Client Business Need: Wanted to develop an embedded product that was strong in raster and satellite imagery with the addition of off-road navigation features. Maptech required development of an XPe based touch-screen Navigation and communications software package for the RV market and other “large vehicle” applications. Besides street navigation using the ESRI StreetMap Mobile SDK and Tele Atlas street/routing/POI database, navigation had to be overlaid onto full 3D Satellite images in a clean and seamless fashion. All controls and features required consideration that it needs to be easily usable via touch-screen in a moving vehicle by a non-technical audience. In addition to Navigation the software package required touch-screen management of internet access, HTML help files, vehicle manuals, AVI help files, and interface to the vehicles multiplex electrical system. Finally, the package needed to be embedded into a custom hardware device in a fashion that guaranteed O/S stability and simplicity of operation.
Technical Response:
Working to bridge the gap between the street module and the image rendering “Map Engine” from two different sources the functionality was merged into a single image. Additional software subroutines combined the flat image with high resolution elevation data in order to accurately warp the image over hills, mountains, river banks, etc. Finally the code was optimized in many ways in order to allow smooth viewing as the vehicle direction is constantly adjusted. This involved inserting new orthographic images seamlessly into the display, either from local storage or automatically through a wireless internet server, as the vehicle is moving or the screen manipulated.
Developed specific touchscreen tools to facilitate easy zooming, tilting, scrolling and panning of the 3D image. Incorporated sliding icon sets for easy selection of millions of Points of Interest through the touchscreen. Designed on-screen POI icon protocols for direct manipulation of these POIs while still allowing screen dragging etc. Finally, incorporated smart, along route, search functionality for ease of use and practical POI searching.
Integrated touchscreen friendly wireless Web interface, on-board video cameras, HTML / PDF and Image viewing functions, and interface to a digital switching package.
All functionality was packaged behind a custom “home screen” using XPe with HORM start-up protocols for an embedded O/S and simple and safe user experience. Extensive work using icons, custom menus and labeling assured an easy understanding of the software without reading manuals.
Client Result: Using created software Maptech is able to offer a wireless connected navigation/communication product with features and functionality that clearly differentiate this product beyond just street navigation. The ability to automatically download and easily manipulate a 3D image (including high resolution terrain slopes) remains unique to this product.
