Origin-Independent Access Map Generation with Multi-Granular Detail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital map generation methods struggle to create access maps that effectively integrate Points of Interest (PoIs) and provide route simplification without specifying a starting location, particularly in complex environments where detailed navigation is needed.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating access maps that includes route simplification and the selection of relevant PoIs based on proximity to the destination and automatic recognition of decision points and their complexity, allowing for the creation of a multi-granular map with varying levels of detail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a geographic map displays a region at a single homogeneous scale, then the map structure is simple and easy to generate, but it cannot provide different levels of detail needed for effective navigation support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map into multiple granular levels (coarse-grained and fine-grained) with different levels of detail. The coarse-grained map provides overview information while the fine-grained map provides detailed navigation information near the destination. This segmentation allows the system to provide adaptability for different navigation stages without generating a completely complex new map structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of detail at different locations on the map. Areas near the destination receive fine-grained detail while distant areas maintain coarse-grained representation. This allows the map to be detailed where needed without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire map structure.
2Loss of information
If too many elements are selected for the access map, then more navigation information is provided, but the map becomes cluttered and distracts the user from relevant elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the most relevant Points of Interest (PoIs) for navigation at each granular level. Rather than displaying all available map elements, the system selectively extracts PoIs that are actually useful for the current navigation context, removing unnecessary elements that would clutter the map and distract the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different selection criteria for PoIs at different granular levels. The coarse-grained map displays only major PoIs relevant for overview orientation, while the fine-grained map displays more detailed PoIs relevant for immediate navigation. This local quality approach ensures information completeness where needed while maintaining ease of operation in overview areas.
3Measurement precision
If the access map is generated for a specific origin and destination, then the route information is precise and useful, but the map cannot serve as a generic navigation tool for multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access map template that can serve multiple users with different origins and destinations. The map structure is designed to be adaptable, allowing the system to generate specific route information for any user pair while maintaining the same underlying map framework. This enables the map to function both as a generic navigation tool and as a source of precise route information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the access map can be customized for different user needs while maintaining a consistent base structure. The map dynamically adjusts the displayed PoIs and route information based on the specific origin-destination pair, allowing precision for individual users while preserving generic usability for the overall system.
4Measurement precision
If detailed information is provided throughout the entire map, then navigation precision is high, but the map becomes unnecessarily complex and difficult to interpret for long homogeneous segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map into coarse-grained and fine-grained portions, applying different levels of detail to different segments. Long homogeneous segments are represented at a coarse granularity with minimal detail, while areas requiring navigation decisions are shown at fine granularity with detailed information. This segmentation provides navigation precision where needed without unnecessary complexity in homogeneous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing high navigation precision only in locations where it is actually needed (near destinations, at decision points) while using simpler representations for long homogeneous segments. This ensures the map is as detailed as necessary without being unnecessarily complex throughout.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, using a data processor, to generate an access map for reaching, independent of origin, a travel destination, said method comprising the following steps: a) Selecting a set of access points in a focus zone that identifies an area around the travel destination; b) Computing access paths in and out of the travel destination through one or more access points in the set of selected access points; c) Listing crossings that the computed access paths pass through; d) For each listed crossing, i/ evaluating the probability that the listed crossing is passed through by an access path and calculating at least one complexity rating; ii/ determining a set of Pols along the roads passing through the listed crossing and calculating a quality score for each of Pol in the set of Pols, said score for each Pol in the set of Pols scoring its utility to facilitate orientation; iii/ selecting Pols from the set of Pols based on their quality scores; e) Generating the access map including the access paths and the selected Pols; f) Outputting the generated access map.