A Wayfinding Application Based on the Influence Area Spatial Model

May 1999

Proceedings of the Twelfth International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS 1999)

Volume

Proceedings of the Twelfth International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS 1999)

All Papers

In this paper we present a qualitative model of space based on the notion of influence area which is a portion of space surrounding an object. We discuss the cognitive foundation of the concept of influence area and show how it can be used to formally define the notions of neighborhood, distance and orientation. We show how this model allows us to convert an analogic representation of spatial objects (in a spatial conceptual map) into an equivalent logical representation in order to carry out various kinds of spatial reasoning. Then, we present a wayfinding application that uses this logical representation and produces a route and its description in natural language. Finally, we briefly discuss the cognitive plausibility of the results provided by the system that implements our model.