GB2625095A

GB2625095A - A system and method for generating a hierarchical location identifier

Info

Publication number: GB2625095A
Application number: GB2218259.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chisnall Anthony
Original assignee: There Tech Ltd
Current assignee: There Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-12-05
Filing date: 2022-12-05
Publication date: 2024-06-12
Also published as: GB202218259D0; WO2024121531A1

Abstract

A method for generating a hierarchical location identifier includes obtaining 110 an indication of a first geographical location and defining 120 a first area, based on the indication of the first geographical location. A first location identifier is generated 130 based on the first area and an indication of a second geographical location obtained 150. The second geographical location is within the first area and a second sub-location identifier generated 150 based on the indication of the second geographical location. A hierarchical string identifier is output 160 comprising the first location identifier and the second sub-location identifier. The string identifiers may be alphanumeric and user assignable, and optionally words. A category such as entrance, exit, car park, pick-up bay, taxi rank, site or floor may be assigned to the sub-location identifier. Further disclosed is a method of generating a navigation route. The aim of the disclosed methods is to make it easier to remember ,use and input location identifiers for navigation systems and GPS.

Description

A system and method for generating a hierarchical location identifier

Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a 5 hierarchical location identifier. In particular, for generating a hierarchical location identifier for navigational use.

Background

Satellite-based location systems are widely known, finding use in specialist navigation 10 devices, smartphones, and other mobile communication computing devices.

Geometric numerical coordinates are commonly used by satellite-based location systems to identify locations, for example using latitude and longitude coordinates or grid references. For example, the widely used GPS system identifies locations using GPS coordinates, which are commonly presented as high-resolution latitude and longitude coordinates.

However, the resulting strings of numerical coordinates are very unfriendly for users, being difficult to accurately remember or communicate verbally to others. Further, accurately manually inputting strings of numbers into a device, for example to tell a navigation device where you wish to navigate to, or to incorporate a location into a message sent to another person, can be relatively slow, time consuming, and prone to typographical error.

Conventional street addresses may also be used to identify locations, for example using post codes or street names, and in some cases building numbers or site names. However, different countries or regions use different systems for identifying addresses, and many of these address systems are relatively unsophisticated and of limited value for identifying or communicating specific locations. It is also estimated 1.5 billion people have no addresses.

Further, these approaches can be relatively inaccurate, for example, conventional GPS systems tend to locate the two-dimensional centre-point of a building, rather than the entrance, car park, or drop off points. Poor location identification and navigation has a huge associated cost, resulting in late arrivals, missed appointments, and longer delivery -2 -and travel times to name only a few examples In the case of large and complex sites, such as hospitals, late or missed appointments are common despite patients often arriving at the site on time. This is a result of failing to easily 5 identify and navigate to the precise location of their appointment within the site.

US 9,883,333 (VVhat3Words Limited) discloses a method of producing a location identifier comprising obtaining the geographical coordinates of a location; converting the geographical coordinates into single unique value n; converting the single unique value n into a unique group of a plurality of values; converting the plurality of values into an equal plurality of respective words; and providing the plurality of words as a location identifier. However, converting the geographical coordinates into a single unique value n (which represents a distinct 3x3m section of a geo grid of Earth) which is subsequently converted into a plurality of words cannot easily represent the complex sites. Rather, separate entrances of the same building which are in different 3x3m sections would be represented as two separate and unrelated strings of words, with no interrelation. Multiple unrelated strings of random words may be unfriendly for users, being difficult to accurately remember or communicate verbally to others, particularly for large sites which would comprise a multitude of such unrelated strings.

Summary of the invention

Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

An aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchical location identifier. The method comprises obtaining an indication of a first geographical location and defining a first area based on the indication of the first geographical location. The method then generates a first location identifier based on the first area. The method further obtains an indication of a second geographical location, wherein the second geographical location is within the first area. A sub-location identifier (i.e. a second location identifier) is then generated based on the indication of the second geographical location. The method then outputs a string identifier comprising the first -3 -location identifier and the sub-location identifier, wherein the string identifier is hierarchical. This may be advantageous because real addresses are rarely a single point, thus the present invention may provide a method for mapping and identifying complex sites or locations comprising at least one sub-location. The resulting hierarchical string identifier comprising sub-locations may be intuitive and user friendly compared to existing location identifiers. As such, these hierarchical strings may be easier to remember and/or communicate verbally to others, particularly for large sites comprising a multitude of such sub-locations as each string identifier may be related, sharing a common hierarchical portion.

The method may be particularly advantageous for generating hierarchical location identifiers for complex sites such as, but not limited to, hospitals, airports, rail stations, ports, universities and colleges, stadiums, hotels, shopping centres, business parks, construction sites, utilities and telecoms, government sites, appartement complexes, housing associations and local authorities. Hierarchical location identifiers may also be advantageous for transport and logistics applications by increasing business efficiencies by providing a means to identify precise sub-locations, for example with applications for ride hail and taxi, transport, food delivery, haulage, multidrop, postal services, maritime, waste and recycling, and passenger transport.

Generating the first location identifier may comprise assigning a first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w1, to the first area. Generating the second sub-location identifier may comprise assigning a second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, to the second geographical location; and outputting the string identifier comprises compiling the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w1, and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, into the string identifier. This may be advantageous as alphabetic or alphanumeric identifiers may be more recognisable, memorable, interpretable, and easier to communicate, for example compared to long numerical strings, such as geographical coordinates.

Compiling the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w1, and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, into the hierarchical string identifier may comprise combining the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w1, and the second alphabetic or -4 -alphanumeric identifier, w2, such that the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, is a prefix or suffix to the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, wl. Preferably, the sublocation identifier is a suffix. The prefix or suffix structure may provide the string identifier with its hierarchical nature. The first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, wl, and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, may be separated by at least one delimiter, such as but not limited to a slash, comma, semicolon, quote symbol, bracket, hash, period, and/or pipe.

The first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, wl, may be user assignable. Purely for illustrative purposes, an example is described wherein the first geographical location obtained is a hospital, for example Alden NHS Hospital. In this case the first location identifier may be assigned by a user to be "AldenNHS". This may be advantageous as user assigned identifiers may be more recognisable, memorable, interpretable, and easier to communicate, for example compared to long numerical strings, or randomly assigned alphabetic or alphanumeric identifiers. Additionally or alternatively, the second alphanumeric identifier may also be user assignable. Preferably, at least one of the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, wl, and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, w2, comprises a word. In some examples, at least one of the first identifier, wl, or the second identifier, w2, may be automatically generated, for example, by artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML).

Generating the second sub-location identifier may also comprise assigning at least one category to the second sub-location identifier. The category may be based on the function of the second geographical location. This may be advantageous to enable sub-locations to be categorised and identified by their function. This may be advantageous to aid interpretation of location identifiers. This may also have advantages for identifying relevant sub-locations, for example for navigational purposes, as discussed in more detail below. The category may also be user assignable. In some examples, the assigned category may determine the second alphanumeric identifier for the second geographical location, however in other examples, the second alphanumeric identifier may be user assignable.

Assigning at least one category may comprise assigning a category from a predetermined set of categories. Purely for illustrative purposes, the set of categories may comprise, but -5 -is not limited to, at least one of an entrance (including but not limited to a gate, front entrance, entrance to reception, service entrance, rear entrance, accessible entrance, for example a disabled entrance, and/or any other entrance), an exit (including but not limited an accessible exit, fire exit and/or any other exit), a car park (including but not limited to a visitor car park, staff car park, short-stay car park, long-stay car park, and/or free parking), a pick-up/drop-off point, a delivery point or bay, a taxi rank, an EV charging point, toilets, bicycle parking or storage, a public transport stop or station, a building, a site, a floor, platform, unit, ward, terminal, fire assembly point, waste area, electric point, alarm panel, water hydrant, manhole, gas mains, water mains, electric mains.

Optionally, the method may further comprise assigning at least one category to the first location identifier. The category assigned to the first location identifier may determine a set of categories to be used to categories the sub-location identifiers. For example, if the first location identifier is categorised as an airport, the sub-location identifiers may be categorised according to a set of specialist sub-location categories for airports, for example but not limited to gates, terminals, security halls, and so on. Conversely, if the first location identifier is categorised as a hospital, the sub-location identifiers may be categorised according to a different set of specialist sub-location categories for hospitals, for example but not limited to wards, rooms, units, specialist medical equipment and facilities, etc. The indication of at least one of the first geographical location or second geographical location may comprise geographical coordinates, for example, a set of longitude and latitude coordinates, grid references, or GPS coordinates. Alternatively, or in addition, the indication of at least one of the first geographical location or second geographical location may comprise at least one conventional street address, for example a post code, street name, building name or number, or site name.

The first geographical location may be located approximately at the centre of the first area. For example, the first area may be defined by a radius from the first geographical location.

Alternatively, or in addition, defining the first area may comprise generating a polygonal chain, such as but not limited to a closed polygonal chain. The polygonal chain may be defined by a plurality of geographical coordinates or grid references which form the -6 -vertices of the polygonal chain.

In some examples, the polygonal chain may be generated based on an image, for example, a map or a satellite image. For example, the first area may be defined by 5 identifying an area from the image. This may be achieved using artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) methods, for example wherein the Al or ML is trained to identify the first area as a perimeter or boundary of a building, site, or area. Alternatively, or in addition, the first area may be defined by a user, for example wherein the user indicates vertices of a polygonal chain based on an image, or draws a polygonal chain, based on 10 the image.

Optionally, the method may further comprise defining a second area, based on the indication of the second geographical location, wherein the second area comprises a portion of the first area. For example, wherein the second area is a sub-portion of the first area. The second area may be defined according to the same methods discussed above in relation to the first area, for example by radius or polygonal chain.

The method may then further comprise obtaining an indication of a third geographical location, wherein the third geographical location is within the second area; and generating a third sub-location identifier based on the indication of the third geographical location. A second string identifier comprising the first location identifier, the second sub-location identifier, and the third sub-location identifier may then be output, wherein the second string identifier is hierarchical. This may be advantageous to provide hierarchical location identifiers with additional levels of sub-and micro locations to facilitate easy mapping and identification of these locations within complex sites. The method may further comprise defining a third area, based on the indication of the third geographical location, wherein the third area comprises a portion of the second area. A fourth sub-location identifier may then be generated based on a location within the third area, and a resulting hierarchical string outputted, etc. The method may continue to output hierarchical string identifiers as required, for example to define micro-locations within sub-locations, within the first area, and so on.

The string identifier may comprise an indication of sub-location altitude. This may be -7 -advantageous to map vertical locations, for example including floor number of a multistorey building.

The method may further comprise generating and outputting a OR code wherein the OR 5 code corresponds to the string identifier.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchical location identifier. The method comprises obtaining an indication of a geographical location, wherein the geographical location is within a first area, the first area having a first location identifier; and generating a sub-location identifier based on the indication of the geographical location. A string identifier is then output comprising the first location identifier and the second sub-location identifier, wherein the string identifier is hierarchical. This may be advantageous to add-on a sub-location identifier to an existing first area which has previously been defined, for example according to the first aspect og the invention discussed above.

The skilled person will understand that the method of generating the location identifier and outputting the string identifier may be performed according to the method as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for identifying a location. The method comprises obtaining a string identifier comprising a first location identifier and a second sub-location identifier, wherein the string identifier is hierarchical. The method then comprises obtaining the second sub-location identifier from the string identifier, and converting the second sub-location identifier into an indication of a geographical location. This may be advantageous for navigational or locational use, for example to converting the string identifier into a recognisable location for a satellite-based location system. The skilled person will understand that the string identifier may be the string identifier as described in relation to any of the other aspects of the invention described herein.

For example, converting the sub-location identifier into an indication of a geographical location may comprise converting the sub-location identifier into at least one set of -8 -geographical coordinates, for example, a set of longitude and latitude coordinates, grid references, or GPS coordinates. Alternatively, or in addition, converting the sub-location identifier into an indication of a geographical location may comprise converting the sub-location identifier into at least one conventional street address, for example a post code, street name, building name or number, or site name.

The method may further comprise obtaining the first location identifier from the string identifier, converting the first location identifier into an indication of a first geographical location; and converting the second sub-location identifier into an indication of a second geographical location, based at least in part on the indication of the first geographical location.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for generating a sub-location identifier, comprising obtaining an indication of a geographical location, wherein the geographical location is within a first area, the first area having a first location identifier; and assigning at least one category to the second geographical location. The method then generates a second sub-location identifier based on the indication of the second geographical location and the assigned at least one category. This may be advantageous to categorise the sub-location identifier, for example according to at least one property of the identified sub-location. For example, the category may indicate the purpose, function, or another characteristic, of the sub-location. Users may then be able to identify, and/or navigate to, the correct sub-location identifier based on searching or filtering by assigned category.

Assigning the at least one category may comprise assigning at least one category from a pre-determined set of categories.

The method may further comprise outputting a string identifier comprising the first location identifier and the second sub-location identifier. For example, wherein the string identifier 30 is hierarchical.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method of generating a navigation route. The method comprises obtaining a first location identifier -9 -desired to navigate to, wherein the first location identifier corresponds to a first area and wherein the first area comprises a plurality of sub-location identifiers. The method further comprises obtaining an indication of at least one user parameter. The method then selects, from the plurality of sub-location identifiers, a sub-location identifier to navigate to, based on the indication of the user parameter. Optionally, the method then generates a navigation route to the selected sub-location identifier. Alternatively, the selected sub-location identifier is output as the intended destination to navigate to for generation of a navigation route. This may be advantageous to ensure the user is navigated to the correct sub-location, depending on the user's requirements, as defined by the at least one user parameter. As such, the navigation route is generated specifically for the user's personalised needs and gets them to the correct location first time. This may ultimately result in fewer late arrivals, missed appointments, and reduced delivery and travel times.

In some examples, the at least one user parameter may comprise a mode of transport, for example such as the mode of transport the user intends to use for the navigation route. Optionally, obtaining an indication of the mode of transport comprises obtaining an indication of the mode of transport from a set of predetermined transport options, wherein the set of predetermined transport options may comprise at least one of: driving, drop-off, walking, cycling, and public transport. This may be advantageous to ensure the user is navigated to the correct sub-location depending on their intended mode of transport. For example, if the user intends to drive, the method may select the sub-location identifier which corresponds to the most suitable or nearest car park. Similarly, if the user intends to be dropped off, the method may select the sub-location identifier which corresponds to the nearest drop-off point, and so on.

In some examples, at least a portion of the sub-location identifiers may comprise an assigned category from a plurality of categories. In such examples, selecting the sub-location identifier may be based on the assigned category of the sub-location identifier. Purely for illustrative purposes, the plurality of categories may comprise, but are not limited to, at least one of an entrance (including but not limited to a gate, front entrance, entrance to reception, service entrance, rear entrance, accessible entrance, for example a disabled entrance, and/or any other entrance), an exit (including but not limited an accessible exit, fire exit and/or any other exit), a car park (including but not limited to a visitor car park, staff -10 -car park, short-stay car park, long-stay car park, and/or free parking), a pick-up/drop-off point, a delivery point or bay, a taxi rank, an EV charging point, toilets, bicycle parking or storage, a public transport stop or station, a building, a site, a floor, a platform, a unit, a ward, a terminal, and/or a fire assembly point.

Obtaining the first location identifier to navigate to may comprise obtaining an indication of a first geographical location and selecting the first location identifier based on the indication of the first geographical location. For example, wherein the first geographical location may comprise at least one set of geographical coordinates, for example, a set of longitude and latitude coordinates, grid references, or GPS coordinates. Alternatively, or in addition, the first geographical location may comprise a conventional street address, for example at least one of a post code, street name, building name or number, or site name. The first location identifier may be selected from a database of known location identifiers, wherein the first location identifier may be associated with the first geographical location. For example, the first location identifier may be a first location identifier as defined within the preceding aspects of the invention described herein.

The method may further comprise obtaining an indication of a geographical location to navigate from, wherein generating the navigation route comprises generating a navigation 20 route from the indication of the geographical location to navigate from to the selected sub-location identifier.

The method may further comprise sending a data packet to a remote device, or downloading a data packet at the remote device, wherein the data packet comprises the 25 navigation route. This may be advantageous to allow the user to follow the navigation route on the remote device offline or in areas with poor network connectivity.

In some examples, generating the navigation route may further comprise retrieving a set of navigation instructions. Preferably, the navigation instructions relate to navigating the "last-mile". For example, the navigation instructions may comprise indoor navigation instructions. Purely for illustrative purposes, the generated navigation route may navigate to the correct entrance of a building, the set of navigation instructions may then provide instructions to navigate the "last mile" indoors, for example from the correct entrance to the correct office, or room. The navigation instructions are preferably textual, and may optionally comprise media, such as photographs, videos etc. Optionally, the navigation instructions may comprise generating a live view of the indoor navigation, for example based on live video input from a user remote device and augmented reality navigation instructions.

The navigation method may further comprise tracking the user's progress along the navigation route, for example using GPS tracking of a user's remote device.

In some examples, the method further comprises sending a signal to an administrator within the first location, wherein the signal comprises an indication of an arrival time of the user at the selected sub-location identifier, based on the navigation route. For example, when a user begins their journey along the generated navigation route, their details may be shared with an administrator at the destination site, for example including at least one of user name, vehicle registration, estimated arrival time, appointment time, or additional comments etc. These details may then be viewed by the administrator, for example appearing on an arrivals. Optionally, communication, including messaging, calling, or video calling may be initiated between the user and the site administrator. This may facilitate smart scheduling, for example for appointments or meetings, based on a user's estimated arrival time. This may ultimately also result in fewer late arrivals, missed appointments, and/or reduced waiting times.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions configured to program a programmable device to perform the 25 method of any of the preceding aspects of the invention described herein.

Drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an example method of the present invention for generating a location identifier.

-12 -Fig. 2A shows an example map illustrating an example site.

Fig. 23 shows an example string identifier associated with a location within the site of Fig. 2A, for example wherein the string identifier may be generated by the method of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3A shows an example hierarchy, for example used for generating the string identifier of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3B shows an example set of sub location categories, for example for use in generation 10 of the string identifier of Fig. 1 and the hierarchy of Fig. 3A.

Fig. 30 shows another example string identifier associated with a location within the site of Fig. 2A, for example wherein the string identifier may be generated by the method of Fig. 1. Fig. 30 also shows an example hierarchy used to generate the string identifier of 15 Fig. 30.

Fig. 4 shows another method of the present invention for generating a location identifier. The method of Fig. 4 may be used in combination with the method of Fig. 1. For example, to output a string identifier as shown in Figs. 2B and 30.

Fig. 5 shows a method of the present invention for generating a sub-location identifier. The method of the Fig. 5 may be used in combination with the method of Fig. 1 and/or Fig. 4. For example, wherein assigning a category in Fig. 5 may comprise at least one of the categories from Fig. 33.

Fig. 6 shows an example method for generating a navigation route, for example using the location identifiers of any of Figs. 1, 4, or 5.

Fig. 7A shows an example navigation route for a journey generated by the state of the art. 30 Fig. 7B shows an example navigation route generated by the present invention, for the same journey as shown in Fig. 7A.

Fig. 8 shows an example set of indoor navigation instructions, for example for use with the -13 -navigation route shown in Fig. 7B.

Specific description

Embodiments of the claims relate to a computer-implemented method for generating a 5 hierarchical location identifier, a computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchical location identifier and generating a navigation route based on such a location identifier.

It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the Figures 10 are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims.

The steps and processing of information illustrated in the figures, including, but not limited to, any block and flow diagrams and message sequence charts, may typically be performed in the same or in a different serial or parallel ordering and/or by different components and/or processes, threads, etc., and/or over different connections and be combined with other functions in other examples and figures, unless this disables the embodiment or a sequence is explicitly or implicitly required (e.g., for a sequence of read the value and process said read value, the value must be obtained prior to processing it, although some of the associated processing may be performed prior to, concurrently with, and/or after the read operation).

An example method 100 for generating a hierarchical location identifier is shown in Fig. 1. In this example, the method is configured to be performed by a server. Firstly, the method comprises obtaining an indication of a first geographical location 110. The indication of the first geographical location 110 is obtained as result of user. In the example provided herein, a user inputs an address indicative of the first geographical location input. The address is then preferably converted into geographical coordinates representing the first geographical location, such as Alden NHS Hospital as shown in Fig. 2A. The geographical coordinates indicative of the first geographical location are then obtained by the server. The geographical coordinates indication of a first geographical location are represented as 210 in Fig. 2A. As with conventional location identification methods of the state of the art, the geographical coordinates may represent the approximate centre point of a building -14 -or site.

The method 100 then defines a first area 220, based on the indication of the first geographical location (120). In the example shown in Fig. 2A, defining the first area 220 5 comprises generating a closed polygonal chain based on an image 200, such as a map or a satellite image. In this example, the closed polygonal chain is determined by user input wherein the user indicates the boundaries of the first area based on the image 200. Alternatively, or in addition, the closed polygonal chain may be defined using artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) methods, for example wherein the Al or ML is 10 trained to identify the first area 220 as a perimeter or boundary of a building, site, or area, based on the image 200. Optionally, a first area identifier may be generated based on the first area, for example a first area identifier "Si" may indicate that the first area is associated with a first site, for example Site No.1.

The method then proceeds to generate a first location identifier based on the first area 220 (130). Generating the first location identifier 130 comprises assigning a first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, wl, to the first area. The first location identifier, w1, is preferably descriptive of the first area and/or first geographical location. In this example, the first location identifier, w1, is user assignable. In the example shown in Fig. 2B, the first geographical location 210 obtained is a location within Alden NHS Hospital, thus, in this example the first location identifier is assigned to be "AldenNHS". This may be advantageous as user assigned identifiers may be more recognisable, memorable, interpretable, and easier to communicate, for example compared to long numerical strings, or randomly assigned alphabetic or alphanumeric identifiers.

The method 100 then obtains an indication of a second geographical location, within the first area 220 (140). In this example, the second geographical location is represented as 230A. The indication of the second geographical location 230A is obtained as result of user. In the example provided herein, a user selects a point on a map or satellite image, for example using a "drop pin" on a user device. The selected point is then preferably converted into geographical coordinates representing the second geographical location 230A. Alternatively, the user may input an address of the second geographical location 230A, or directly input a set of coordinates indicative of the second geographical location -15 - 230A. In the example shown in Fig. 2A second geographical location 230A is a car park associated with Alden NHS Hospital.

The method 100 then generates a second sub-location identifier, w2a, based on the indication of the second geographical location 230A (150). The second sub-location identifier, w2a, is alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 5, a category is assigned (545) to the second geographical location 230A based on the function or purpose of the location prior to generation of the sub-location identifier, w2a. In the example of Fig. 2A, the second geographical location 230A is assigned the category "Parking". The second sub-location identifier, w2a, is then generated (150, 550) based on the indication of the second geographical location 230A and the assigned category. As shown in Fig. 2B, the second sub-location identifier, w2a, in this example is generated as "P2". The pre-fix "P" is based on the assigned category "Parking". Optionally, the suffix may be generated based on the number of separate geographical locations within the same first area that are assigned to the same category. For example, "P2" may indicate a second car park within the first area. If the first area only has one location assigned to a category, for example the category "Parking", the sub-location identifier may be generated exclusively based on the assigned category for that location, for example "P". An example set of sub-location categories is shown in Fig. 3B. However, the skilled person will understand the list provided in Fig. 3B is in no way limiting.

The method 100 then outputs a string location identifier (160, 560). The string location identifier is hierarchical and comprises the first location identifier, w1, and the second sub-location identifier, w2a. For example, the string location identifier 240 as shown in Fig. 2B is "AldenNHS@DNA/P2". In this example, the string location identifier 240 also comprises a commercial identifier 244, "@DNA". However, identifier 244 may also denote the central location of the site of building, for example denoting the first geographical location. In other examples, the commercial identifier 244, "@DNA" may be located at an alternative position relative within the string, for example at the beginning or end of the string, for example "DN@AldenNHS/P2". The skilled person will understand that "@DNA" or "DN@" are only two examples of possible commercial identifiers which could take any other suitable form, for example including other words, brand names, alphanumeric sequences, and/or special characters.

-16 -The suffix of the second sub-location identifier is separated from the first location identifier within the hierarchical string by at least one delimiter, in this example a slash.

In the example discussed above, the user inputs an address indicative of the first geographical location input. However, the skilled person will understand that the indication of the first geographical location may be obtained as result of user input by other means, for example but not limited to, wherein the user selects a point on a map or satellite image.

The example discussed above also discloses defining the first area by generating a closed polygonal chain based on an image, however the skilled person will understand that in other examples the first area may be determined in any other suitable way to identify a relevant area proximal to the first geographical location. For example, the first area may be defined by a pre-determined or adjustable radius, wherein the first geographical location is located approximately at the centre of the first area.

In other examples, the method does not define a first area, rather the first location identifier is generated based on the first geographical location. In such examples the obtained second geographical location may instead be associated with the first geographical location by some other suitable relationship rather than being within a first area. For example, such a suitable relationship may include, but is not limited to, functionality or purpose of the location, ownership of the location or site, or proximity defined by some other means, for example "nearest car park to the first geographical location".

As shown in Fig. 4, method steps 140 to 160 as discussed above may then be repeated as desired to generate a plurality of sub-location identifiers and output a plurality of hierarchical string identifiers, each associated with a separate geographical location within the first area 222.

For example, the method 400 obtains an indication of a third geographical location within the first area 220 (140). In this example, the third geographical location is represented as 230B. In the example provided herein, a user selects a point on a map or satellite image, for example using a "drop pin" on a user device. The selected point is then converted into -17 - geographical coordinates representing the third geographical location 230B. In the example shown in Fig. 2A third geographical location 230B is indicative of a Radiology Unit in Alden NHS Hospital. The method 400 then generates a third sub-location identifier, w2b, based on the indication of the third geographical location 230B (150). The third sub-location identifier, w2b, is an alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier, different to the second sub-location identifier, w2a. As above, a category may be assigned (545) to the third geographical location 230B based on the function or purpose of the location, and the third sub-location identifier, w2b, may then be generated based on the indication of the third geographical location 230B and the assigned category. However, in this example, the third location identifier, w2b, is user assignable, preferably based on a descriptive feature of the third geographical location. As shown in Figs. 2A and 30, the third sub-location identifier, w2b, in this example is generated as "RU", an abbreviation for Radiology Unit. A hierarchical string location identifier may then be output (160, 560) comprising the first location identifier, w1, and the third sub-location identifier, w2b. Preferably, the string location identifiers denoting the second sub-location and the third sub-location have the same hierarchical structure, wherein the hierarchical structure may be defined by the arrangement of the first location identifier, wl, relative to the respective sub-location identifier, w2, within the string.

As shown in Fig. 30, the method may further generate location identifiers for micro locations, wherein a micro location is defined as a location within, or associated with, a sub-location. In such an example, as shown in Fig. 30, the method defines a second area, based on the indication of the third geographical location, the Radiology Unit. The second area is a portion of the first area. The second area may be defined in any suitable way, similar to the first area, for example by proximity radius or polygonal chain. The method then obtains an indication of a further geographical location representing a micro location, wherein the micro location is within the second area. Again, the further geographical location may be obtained as a set of coordinates, for example derived from a location selected by a user on a map. A first micro location identifier, w3, is then generated based on the indication of the micro geographical location. The micro location identifier, w3, may be generated in any suitable way, similar to the sublocation identifiers, w2, for example by based on an assigned category, as shown in Fig. 5, or based on user input.

-18 -The method then outputs a hierarchical string identifier comprising the first location identifier, w1, the sub-location identifier associated with the second area, w2, and the first micro-location identifier, w3. The skilled person will understand that method may continue to output hierarchical string identifiers as required, for example identifying sub-locations within the micro locations and generating micro-sub-location identifiers, w4, as shown in Fig. 30, and so on. Each sub-location, micro-location, and so on, may be outputted in the hierarchical string as an additional suffix, thus providing the hierarchical structure of the string. In this example, the sub-location is the radiology unit in Alden NHS Hospital, denoted by w2 sublocation identifier, RU. The micro locations are locations within the radiology unit, such as offices, rooms, toilets. These are each denoted by a micro identifier, w3. The micro sub locations are locations within a micro location. For example, within the office of the radiology unit, the micro sub location identifiers, w4, may denote specific locations, such as the location of appliances, electric points, boilers, service points, fire panels, etc. The privacy of location identifiers, including sub locations, micro locations, micro sub locations and so on, can be controlled by an administrator. For example, such that it can be controlled whether a location identifier is publicly available, or visible only to an individual or set of authorised users.

Purely for illustrative purposes, examples of other hierarchical strings which may be generated by the present invention have been included below: BigBoyzBarNGrill©(m)dna Metaverse address / chat room In the same way that the method described herein can be used to generate hierarchical string location identifiers for physical environments, the method may also be used to generate location identifiers for the metaverse or other virtual environments.

-19 -WikiApart103@DNA/home Air BnB apartment with private profile, downloadable upon booking.

As above, the skilled person will understand that "©DNA" or "©dna" are only two examples of possible commercial identifiers which could take any other suitable form, for example including other words, brand names, alphanumeric sequences, and/or special 5 characters.

Fig. 6 shows an example method 600 for generating a navigation route. Firstly, the method 600 comprises obtaining a first location identifier associated with a plurality of sub-location identifiers 610. For example, wherein first location identifier corresponds to a first area and wherein the first area comprises a plurality of sub-location identifiers, as described in Figs. 1 to 4 above. In this example, the method obtains the first location identifier "AldenNHS" or "AldenNHS@DNA". This may be obtained as a result of direct user input.

Alternatively the method may obtain the first location identifier based on obtaining an indication of a first geographical location from a user, wherein the first geographical location is associated with a first location identifier, for example as described in Figs. 1 to 4 above. In these embodiments, a user may input "Alden NHS Hospital", an address, postcode, and/or set of geographical coordinates pertaining to such. The method then obtains the first location identifier, "AldenNHS", based on the indication of the first geographical location. For example but not limited to wherein the first location identifier is stored in a database with indications of the associated geographical area.

The method 600 also obtains an indication of a user parameter 620. In this example, the user parameter comprises a desired mode of transport to use for the navigation route. 25 Purely for illustrative purposes, the user may select at least one mode of transport from the following: driving, drop-off, walking, cycling, and public transport.

-20 -Based on the obtained indication of the user's preferred mode of transport, or other user parameter, the method then selects a sub-location identifier to navigate to from the plurality of sub-location identifiers associated with the first location identifier 630. The selection of the sub-location identifier may also be based on a category assigned to the sub-location, for example as described in Fig. 5. For example, if the user parameter indicates the desired mode of transport is driving, the method may select the sub-location identifier which corresponds to the most suitable or nearest car park. Likewise, if the user parameter indicates the user intends to be dropped off, the method may select the sub-location identifier which corresponds to the nearest drop-off point, and so on.

The method 600 then generates a navigation route to the selected sub-location identifier. However, alternatively, the selected sub-location identifier is output as the intended destination to navigate to for generation of a navigation route.

Optionally, generating the navigation route may further comprise retrieving a set of navigation instructions relating to navigating the "last-mile". For example, the navigation instructions may comprise indoor navigation instructions.

Purely for illustrative purposes, Fig. 7A shows an example navigation route of the prior art from a location within a car park P to Alden Hospital Radiology unit F. Firstly, the user will have had to navigate to the car park separately, before beginning a separate navigation route to the Radiology unit F, as shown. The navigation route R then directs the user to walk off-site, around the hospital building along the roads, to the nearest section of road ER. The navigation route then roughly extrapolates E from the end of the road ER to the endpoint F. No information is provided to access the nearest entrance to access the Radiology unit F, or where to go within the building. The extrapolated path E has no useful bearing on reality and leaves the "last mile" navigation for the user to work out alone. The prior art generates this route as the location "Alden Hospital Radiology unit" is dealt with as an isolated two-dimensional point location, with no association to the site or hospital as a whole. The two-dimensionality of the mapping also makes it impossible to locate the end point F in locations comprising multiple levels, including multistorey buildings or sites, as no indication of altitude is provided. -21 -

Fig. 73 shows a navigation route as generated by an embodiment of the first invention for the same journey as shown in Fig. 7A. Having obtained an indication that the user wishes to drive to Alden Hospital Radiology unit, the method generates a first leg R1 of the navigational route R. The first leg R1 indicates a driven route from a start location to the nearest car park P. This route may be generated in accordance with the method of Fig. 6 discussed above.

The method also generates a second leg R2, wherein R2 indicates a walking route from the car park P to the correct / nearest entrance of a building ME. The method then provides "last mile" indoor navigation instructions to navigate from the building entrance ME to the correct end location F, indicated by I. An example set of textual navigation instructions are shown in Fig. 8. The navigation instructions may also provide an indication of altitude of the end location F. Optionally, the set of navigation instructions may comprise media, such as photographs, videos, etc. The method may further comprise generating a live view of the indoor navigation, for example based on video input from a user remote device, and optionally augmented reality.

The navigation method optionally involves tracking the user's progress along the navigation route, for example using GPS tracking of a user's remote device.

The example provided in relation to Fig. 6 discloses selecting a sub-location identifier to navigate to 630 based on the obtained indication of the user's preferred mode of transport. However, the skilled person will understand that other user parameters may be obtained and used for this purpose, for example but not limited to wherein an indication of a user parameter may include the users purpose of travel or occupation. For example, if the indication of a user parameter includes that the user is a delivery driver, the method 600 may preferably select the sub-location identifier to navigate as a designated delivery point or loading bay.

In the context of the present disclosure other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

Claims

-22 -CLAIMS: 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchical location identifier, comprising: obtaining an indication of a first geographical location; defining a first area, based on the indication of the first geographical location; generating a first location identifier based on the first area; obtaining an indication of a second geographical location, wherein the second geographical location is within the first area; generating a second sub-location identifier based on the indication of the second 10 geographical location; and outputting a string identifier comprising the first location identifier and the second sub-location identifier, wherein the string identifier is hierarchical.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: generating the first location identifier comprises assigning a first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w1 to the first area; and generating the second sub-location identifier comprises assigning a second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 to the second geographical location; and outputting the string identifier comprises compiling the first alphabetic or 20 alphanumeric identifier w1 and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 into the string identifier.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein compiling the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w1 and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 into the string identifier comprises combining the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w1 and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 such that the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 is a prefix or suffix to the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w1.
4. The method of any claims 2 to 3 wherein at least the first alphabetic or alphanumeric 30 identifier w1 is user assignable.
5. The method of any claims 2 to 4 wherein at least one of the first alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w1 and the second alphabetic or alphanumeric identifier w2 is a -23 -
6. The method of any preceding claim wherein generating the second sub-location identifier comprises assigning at least one category to the second sub-location identifier. 5
7. The method of claim 6 wherein assigning at least one category comprises assigning a category from a predetermined set of categories, wherein the set of categories comprises at least one of (i) an entrance, (ii) an exit, (iii) a car park, (iv) a pick-up/drop-off bay, (v) a taxi rank, (vi) bicycle parking or storage, (vii) a public transport stop or station, (viii) a building, (ix) a site, (x) a floor, (xi) an accessible entrance, or (xii) an accessible exit.
8. The method of any preceding claim wherein the indication of at least one of the first geographical location or second geographical location comprises at least one set of geographical coordinates.
9. The method of any preceding claim wherein the first geographical location is located approximately at the centre of the first area.
10. The method of any preceding claim wherein the first area is defined by a radius from 20 the first geographical location.
11. The method of any preceding claim wherein defining the first area comprises generating a polygonal chain.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the polygonal chain is a closed polygonal chain.
13. The method of any of claims 11 to 12 wherein the polygonal chain is based on a plurality of sets of geographical coordinates.
14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the polygonal chain is generated based on an image.
15. The method of any preceding claim further comprising defining a second area, based -24 -on the indication of the second geographical location, wherein the second area comprises a portion of the first area.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: obtaining an indication of a third geographical location, wherein the third geographical location is within the second area; and generating a third sub-location identifier based on the indication of the third geographical location; and outputting a second string identifier comprising the first location identifier, the 10 second sub-location identifier, and the third sub-location identifier, wherein the second string identifier is hierarchical.
17. The method of any preceding claim the string identifier further comprises an indication of sub-location altitude 15
18. The method of any preceding claim wherein at least the first geographical location corresponds to a street address and/or post code.
19. The method of any preceding claim further comprising generating a QR code wherein 20 the QR code corresponds to the string identifier.
20. A computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchical location identifier, comprising: obtaining an indication of a geographical location, wherein the geographical 25 location is within a first area, the first area having a first location identifier; and generating a sub-location identifier based on the indication of the geographical location; and outputting a string identifier comprising the first location identifier and the sub-location identifier, wherein the string identifier is hierarchical.
21. A computer-implemented method for generating a sub-location identifier, comprising: obtaining an indication of a geographical location, wherein the geographical location is within a first area, the first area having a first location identifier; and -25 -assigning at least one category to the geographical location; and generating a sub-location identifier based on the indication of the geographical location and the assigned at least one category.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising outputting a string identifier comprising the first location identifier and the sub-location identifier.
23. A computer-implemented method of generating a navigation route, comprising: obtaining a first location identifier desired to navigate to, wherein the first location 10 identifier corresponds to a plurality of sub-location identifiers; obtaining an indication of at least one user parameter; selecting, from the plurality of sub-location identifiers, a sub-location identifier to navigate to, based on the indication of the at least one user parameter; and generating a navigation route to the selected sub-location identifier.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the at least one user parameter comprises a mode of transport of the user.
25. The method of claim 23 01 24 wherein at least a portion of the sub-location identifiers 20 comprise an assigned category from a plurality of categories, and wherein selecting the sub-location identifier is based on the assigned category of the sub-location identifier.
26. The method of any claims 23 to 25 further comprising: obtaining an indication of a geographical location to navigate from; wherein generating the navigation route comprises generating a navigation route from the indication of the geographical location to navigate from to the selected sub-location identifier.
27. The method of any claims 23 to 26 wherein obtaining the first location identifier to 30 navigate to comprises: obtaining an indication of a first geographical location; and selecting the first location identifier based on the indication of the first geographical location.-26 -
28. The method of any claims 24 to 27 wherein obtaining an indication of the mode of transport comprises obtaining an indication of the mode of transport from a set of predetermined transport options, wherein the set of predetermined transport options may 5 comprise at least one of: driving, drop-off, walking, cycling, and public transport.
29. The method of any claims 25 to 28 wherein the plurality of categories comprises at least one of (i) an entrance, (ii) an exit, (iii) a car park, (iv) a pick-up/drop-off bay, (v) a taxi rank, (vi) bicycle parking or storage, (vii) a public transport stop or station, (viii) a building, 10 (ix) a site, (x) a floor, (xi) an accessible entrance, or (xii) an accessible exit.
30. The method of any claims 23 to 28 further comprising downloading a data packet comprising the navigation route.
31. The method of any claims 23 to 30 wherein generating the navigation route comprises retrieving a set of navigation instructions.
32. The method of any claims 23 to 31 further comprising sending a signal to an administrator within the first location, wherein the signal comprises an indication of an 20 arrival time of the user at the selected sub-location identifier, based on the navigation route.
33. A computer program product comprising instructions configured to program a programmable device to perform the method of any preceding claim. 25