Apple patents map app that auto-loads simple commute directions
Apple describes a system that learns your regular commute times from past map usage. When you open the map app during those specific times, it automatically loads a simplified 'light' navigation mode instead of full turn-by-turn instructions.
In the filing’s own words
In some implementations, a computing device can proactively determine a destination and request traffic information for routes from a starting location to the destination. In some implementations, a computing device can identify some routes between a starting location and a destination as non-recommended routes and recommend other routes. In some implementations, a computing device can rank routes between a starting location and a destination based on automatically-determined user interest. In some implementations, a computing device can determine a user is familiar with a route and adjust the information presented to the user about the route accordingly.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method comprising: identifying historical application mapping data indicating a recurring period of time during which a computing device is detected at locations associated with a commute between a particular set of locations; determining, based on the historical application mapping data, a navigation pattern indicating a commute window time corresponding to the recurring period of time during which the computing device is detected at the locations associated with the commute between the particular set of locations; receiving, by the computing device, a first request to launch a map application, the map application including a full guidance mode configured to display turn-by-turn navigation instructions and a light guidance mode configured to display light navigation instructions; determining that the first request is received within the recurring period of time corresponding to the commute window time indicated by the navigation pattern; and responsive to determining that the first request is received within the recurring period of time corresponding to the commute window time: launching the map application in the light guidance mode; and displaying a first set of navigation instructions, in light guidance mode, for navigating to a first destination.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Providing light navigation guidance
- Patent number
- US12768666B2
- Application number
- 18531954
- Filed
- Dec 7, 2023
- Granted
- Oct 20, 2026
- Inventors
- 12
- Claims
- 23
Classified under
G01C 21/3626 Physics & computingG01C 21/3415 Physics & computingG01C 21/3446 Physics & computingG01C 21/3453 Physics & computingG01C 21/3484 Physics & computingG01C 21/3492 Physics & computingMore from Apple in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.