Autonomous Vehicle Map Segments for Area-Specific Navigation Rules

The patent creates a universal map data structure that can be used across multiple areas and vehicles. The map segments and associated rules are designed to be generic yet adaptable, allowing the same navigation software to operate in different areas without area-specific customization. This resolves the contradiction by making the navigation system universally applicable while maintaining area-specific accuracy through the standardized map format.

The patent uses digital map copies that can be replicated and distributed to multiple vehicles. Instead of customizing software for each vehicle-area combination, the system creates copies of the appropriate map data for each vehicle. This eliminates the time-consuming adaptation process while maintaining navigation accuracy, as each vehicle receives a pre-configured map copy tailored to its operational area.

The patent segments the navigation area into discrete map segments with standardized data structures. Each segment contains specific information about road geometry, navigation rules, and sensor requirements. This segmentation allows the navigation software to handle complex areas through simple, repetitive processing of standardized segments, reducing overall software complexity while maintaining accuracy.

The patent uses parameter-based configuration where area-specific characteristics are defined through map data parameters rather than hard-coded software logic. By changing map parameters (such as segment geometry, rule sets, and sensor configurations) rather than modifying software code, the system adapts to different areas with reduced complexity. The same software engine processes different areas by loading different parameter sets from the map data.

The patent extracts area-specific information from the navigation software and stores it in external map data structures. The software engine remains generic and lightweight, while all area-specific details (road geometry, navigation rules, sensor requirements) are stored in the map segments. This separation reduces processing power requirements by moving data storage to external memory rather than requiring complex in-software processing for each area.

The patent performs preliminary processing of area-specific information during map creation and storage, rather than during runtime navigation. Complex geometric calculations, rule validations, and sensor configurations are pre-computed and stored in the map segments. During actual navigation, the vehicle simply retrieves and follows pre-processed instructions, significantly reducing real-time processing power requirements while maintaining full area adaptability.

The patent creates a universal navigation platform that can handle multiple areas with a single software deployment. The standardized map segment structure and rule-based navigation engine allow the same software to be used across different areas by simply loading different map data. This eliminates the need for expensive custom software development for each area, reducing deployment costs while maintaining area-specific handling capabilities.

The patent enables area-specific handling through parameter configuration rather than software customization. By storing area characteristics as adjustable parameters in the map data (such as road geometry, speed limits, navigation rules), the system can adapt to different areas by loading different parameter sets. This approach dramatically reduces deployment costs compared to custom software development, as parameter configuration is far less expensive than software engineering.