System and method for updating, enhancing, or refining a geographic database using feedback

Abstract

A method for updating a geographic database is disclosed. Data collecting equipment is installed in each of a plurality of vehicles each of which also has a navigation system. The data collection equipment is used to collect data while the vehicles are being driven along roads by their respective users. In addition, a method for assigning a confidence level to geographic data is disclosed. The confidence level is assigned to the geographic data as an attribute. In addition, a method for determining a position of a vehicle by sensing roadside structures is disclosed. Data indicating positions of roadside structures are contained in a geographic database. By matching positions of sensed roadside structures to data in the geographic database that indicates the positions of the structures, the position of the vehicle while traveling can be determined.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10 / 298,798, filed Nov. 18, 2002, which was a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 532,751 filed Mar. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,267, which was a continuation of Ser. No. 08 / 951,767, filed Oct. 16, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,234.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for updating and enhancing a geographic database, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for updating and enhancing a geographic database based on feedback from field use of the geographic data. [0003] Computer-based navigation systems for use on land have become available in a variety of forms and for a variety of applications. One exemplary type of system uses a geographic data set, a navigation application, and optionally, a positioning system. The geographic data set includes information about the positions of roads and intersections in or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In yet still another aspect of the invention, using a feedback process, levels of confidence of accuracy are assigned to data in the geographic database representing physical features in the geographic region, thereby enabling the data to be used for purposes requiring high levels of confidence.

Problems solved by technology

One potential obstacle to providing enhanced features with a navigation system is the difficulty in maintaining up-to-date information in the geographic data set.

Geographic information, however, becomes outdated as new roads are built, existing roads are changed, traffic signals are installed, businesses change their hours of operation, new businesses open, existing businesses close, etc.

When changes occur, data in the geographic data set becomes inaccurate and its utility is thereby lessened.

However, the process of acquiring information regarding changes is time-consuming and expensive.

Moreover, existing methods of acquiring updated data may become increasingly expensive as geographic databases become more detailed and extensive in scope.

Another limitation with existing methods of data acquisition is accuracy.

Even with high quality aerial photographs and other existing collection methods, the geographic coordinates of features may not always be entered in the database with a high level of precision.

Images