Dynamic Contour Map Updates for Water Bodies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contour maps for bodies of water are not dynamically updated, leading to inaccuracies in depth and altitude readings, which can be unsafe for maritime navigators and recreational boaters, and can affect fishing strategies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for dynamically updating contour maps by determining baseline and current water levels using GPS and SONAR technologies, comparing these levels, and automatically updating the maps, which can incorporate signals from online databases and cellular data connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If contour maps are updated dynamically using real-time water level data, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth and altitude readings accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a mediator between GPS devices, SONAR devices, and contour map databases. This intermediary receives data from multiple sources, processes water level information, and updates contour maps automatically, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through centralized coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where current water level measurements are continuously compared with baseline data, and contour maps are automatically updated based on detected changes. This feedback loop ensures high measurement precision by constantly refining depth and altitude readings based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If baseline water level data is stored and compared for updates, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time in data processing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater level measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing baseline water level data and contour map information before field operations. This allows the system to quickly compare real-time measurements against pre-established baselines, improving measurement precision while minimizing data processing time during active use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs multi-functional data structures that serve multiple purposes: baseline water level storage, contour map generation, and real-time comparison reference. This universal approach allows the same data to be used for multiple functions simultaneously, reducing redundant processing and time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dynamic updating of contour maps provides real-time accuracy in depth and altitude readings, enhancing safety for navigators and improving fishing strategies by ensuring current and accurate depth information.

Implementation Method 1

determining a current water level for the body of water by receiving a plurality of depth and/or altitude readings from a GPS computing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) technologies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound Navigation and Ranging: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS12339357B2Updating contour maps for bodies of water
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 NAVICO INC
  • US12339357B2 patent drawing
  • US12339357B2 patent drawing
  • US12339357B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure, systems and methods for dynamically updating contour maps are provided. A first water level for a body of water may be determined by a computing device. A location within the body of water may be identified. A second water level relating to the identified location within the body of water may be determined, and the second water level and the first water level may be compared. Upon comparing the first and second water levels, a contour map for the body of water may be automatically updated.