Action Vectors: Modeling Spatial Relations between Objects and Routes

Junko Araki (University of Tokyo, Japan)

Abstract: This paper describes cognitive mechanisms that interpret elliptical instructions used in navigation. We introduce action vectors, which are defined as an agent s previous positions on routes. In addition, a new perspective system, an action-oriented perspective system is presented. In this system, the action vectors are designated to reference objects. Using theory of the action vectors and the action-oriented system, we demonstrate specific spatial configurations between objects and the action vectors, which arise in cognitive process of interpreting elliptical instructions.

Keywords: elliptical route descriptions, human spatial cognition, navigation system, perspective systems

Categories: I.2.10, I.2.4, I.2.7