Dynamic Map Data Download Density Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mapping technologies on wireless communications devices download map data using static criteria, leading to overcrowding in urban areas and loss of detail in rural areas due to rigid application of thresholds, regardless of map density, which limits the display of essential geographical context.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically downloading map data based on map data density, adjusting the amount and type of data according to the area of interest, using techniques such as computing map data density and incorporating device velocity and signal strength to optimize data transfer and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If static criteria and fixed thresholds are used to download map data, then the download process is simple and fast, but the map display quality deteriorates in rural areas (loss of detail) and urban areas (overcrowding)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap display qualityVSAvoiddownload control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static download criteria to dynamic criteria that adapt to real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors map data density, device velocity, and signal strength, then adjusts download parameters accordingly. This allows the download process to automatically adapt to varying geographical conditions, ensuring optimal map display quality without manual intervention or fixed thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including download threshold values, data compression levels, and selection criteria based on monitored conditions. When map data density is low (rural areas), the system increases download thresholds and includes more detail layers. When density is high (urban areas), thresholds are lowered and detail layers are reduced. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between display quality and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If more map data is downloaded to provide detailed maps in rural areas, then map detail is improved, but data transfer time and bandwidth consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap detailVSAvoiddata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring map data density, device velocity, and signal strength, then using this information to adjust download parameters in real-time. The feedback loop ensures that the system downloads appropriate amounts of data based on actual conditions, avoiding both over-download (wasting time) and under-download (losing detail).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating download parameters based on predicted conditions and pre-loading essential map data structures. It also establishes priority queues for different map data types, ensuring critical data is downloaded first. This preliminary preparation reduces actual transfer time while maintaining appropriate detail levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If computationally intensive labelling algorithms are executed on the client device, then map labelling accuracy is improved, but processing capability is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabelling accuracyVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces server-side processing as an intermediary between map data generation and client display. Complex labelling algorithms are executed on the server, which has greater computational resources, and only the results are transmitted to the client device. This intermediary approach maintains high labelling accuracy while preventing the client from being overwhelmed by computationally intensive operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates simplified copies of map data structures that preserve essential information for display while reducing computational requirements. Instead of transferring full-precision data that requires complex processing, the system creates optimized representations that can be displayed effectively on the client device with minimal processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Manufacturing precision

If map data is downloaded at high resolution for all areas, then map quality is consistent, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly on wireless links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap quality consistencyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting map data resolution and detail levels according to specific geographical locations. The system divides the map into regions based on data density characteristics and applies appropriate quality settings to each region. Rural areas receive high-resolution data for detailed display, while urban areas receive optimized lower-resolution data to reduce bandwidth consumption. This localized approach maintains quality consistency where needed while significantly reducing overall bandwidth usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2078926B1System and method for dynamically downloading and displaying map data
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2078926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2078926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2078926B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Dynamically downloading map data to a wireless communications device is achieved by determining a map data density for an area of interest and then dynamically downloading and optionally also dynamically displaying the map data for the area of interest based on the map data density. For areas of interest with low map data density, this technology has the effect of downloading more map data so that the map is displayed with more detail than would conventionally be obtained. Conversely, for areas of interest with excessively high map data density, dynamic downloading and display can reduce the onscreen map density for a less crowded map.