Blockchain Map Update Validation for Autonomous Vehicle Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping systems for autonomous vehicles lack a standardized platform and format for map updates, leading to isolated solutions controlled by individual vendors, which hinders global accessibility and validation of map updates.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing blockchain technology to create a uniform platform and format for processing, exchanging, and validating map updates, allowing multiple vendors to contribute to a decentralized and secure database, and using crypto-assets like Map Update Tokens (MUTs) for trading and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendors use proprietary formats for map updates, then each vendor can maintain control over their own ecosystem, but global accessibility and interoperability of map updates are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blockchain-based platform that enables multiple vendors to contribute map updates using a common standardized format. The blockchain network serves as a multi-functional ecosystem where different vendors (automotive manufacturers, mapping companies, surveyors) can all participate using the same protocol, eliminating the need for vendor-specific isolated solutions while maintaining global accessibility and interoperability.
2Reliability
If map updates are centralized in vendor servers, then control and security are maintained, but validation accuracy and trustworthiness of map updates cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent validation sources (different vendors, autonomous vehicles, surveyors) into a unified blockchain-based validation system. Each participant contributes validation data that is collectively processed through consensus mechanisms, combining the reliability of multiple independent sources to achieve higher overall validation accuracy and trustworthiness compared to any single centralized vendor server.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain network implements continuous feedback loops where map updates are validated by multiple independent sources, and validation results are recorded and used to improve future update processes. The system provides feedback on update accuracy through the consensus mechanism, allowing the network to learn and improve validation reliability over time while maintaining a decentralized architecture.
3Productivity
If a standardized blockchain platform is implemented, then global map update exchange and validation are enabled, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized interfaces and protocols as intermediary layers between the complex blockchain infrastructure and the simpler map update exchange operations. These intermediaries abstract the complexity of blockchain consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technology, presenting a simplified API to vendors and users while maintaining high productivity in map update exchange and validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-public blockchain maintained on one or more nodes in a map cloud platform comprises data for maintaining a global map of a predetermined geographic area. The blockchain also comprises a plurality of data records, where each data record is associated with an update to a global map. When a message associated with a map update to the global map is received, the nodes of the blockchain determine a consensus by evaluating the map update, where the evaluating comprises performing a plurality of proofs including a proof of location, a proof of iterations, a proof of physical delivery and a proof of safety. When consensus is attained and the map update is validated, a data record associated with the map update is generated and added to the blockchain with a timestamp and a link to prior data records in the blockchain.