Composite Map Generation Using Variable Grid Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map generation methods for ship navigation struggle to combine wide-area low-resolution maps and narrow-area high-resolution maps effectively, leading to inconsistencies and increased memory consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for generating a composite map using a first sensor for wide-area detection and a second sensor for high-resolution detection in a narrow range, allowing for different grid widths on the composite map to accommodate varying resolution needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high resolution map is generated by using a second sensor with narrow detection range, then measurement precision is improved, but the area covered by the map is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the map into multiple regions with different resolution levels. A first map covers a wide area with low resolution using a first sensor, while a second map covers a narrow area with high resolution using a second sensor. These segmented maps are then combined to provide both wide coverage and high precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different grid widths to different regions of the map. In areas requiring high precision (such as near the ship's current position), a narrower grid width is used. In areas where wide coverage is more important, a wider grid width is used. This allows each region to have optimized local quality for its specific purpose.
2Measurement precision
If the grid width of the map is decreased to match high resolution map, then measurement precision is improved, but memory consumption is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map into high-resolution and low-resolution regions, allowing the system to store detailed information only where needed while using less storage for broader areas. This segmentation prevents unnecessary memory consumption across the entire map.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable grid widths where high resolution is applied locally only in necessary areas (near the ship) while using lower resolution elsewhere. This local quality approach reduces the total amount of data stored while maintaining required precision in critical zones.
3Quantity of substance
If the grid width of the map is increased to match wide area map, then memory consumption is reduced, but high resolution characteristics are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate map segments with appropriate resolution levels for different purposes. The first map provides wide-area coverage with lower resolution for memory efficiency, while the second map provides narrow-area high-resolution details. Both segments coexist to balance memory usage and precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies high resolution characteristics locally only in areas where they are necessary (such as the immediate vicinity of the ship for navigation and berthing operations), while using lower resolution in other areas. This ensures memory efficiency is maintained overall while preserving high precision where it matters most.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wide-area low-resolution map and narrow-area high-resolution map are combined, then adaptability is improved, but inconsistency occurs at map boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first map (wide-area low-resolution) and the second map (narrow-area high-resolution) into a unified composite map structure. The combination is designed to maintain consistency by properly integrating the different resolution levels and coordinate systems, allowing the system to adapt to both open-sea navigation and port berthing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a radar configured to detect surrounding objects and terrain, and a LIDAR configured to detect the surrounding objects and terrain using a narrower detection range and a higher resolution than the radar. The disclosure also includes a first map, such as a wide-area map, generated based on information about the surrounding as detected by the radar, a second map, such as a high-resolution map, based on information about the surroundings as detected by the LIDAR, and a composite map that has the grid width of the first map and the grid width of the second map.