Dynamic Map Database Update via Mobile Device Route Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing map-based direction systems face challenges in providing accurate and complete directions in undeveloped or rapidly-developing areas, where map data is often incomplete or outdated.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves receiving requests for map information from mobile devices as they travel, storing the routes traveled by these devices, and using this data to provide directions between specified starting and ending points, while also updating map database information based on user routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If map data is manually collected by driving around with GPS devices, then map completeness is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap data completenessVSAvoiddata collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables map data collection through self-service mechanisms where mobile devices automatically contribute route information without manual intervention. Users simply travel along routes while the system automatically captures and processes GPS data, eliminating the need for organized manual data collection teams while improving map completeness in undeveloped areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually creating map data through expensive surveying operations, the system copies route information from existing mobile device GPS trajectories. By aggregating and processing copies of location data from numerous mobile devices, the system reconstructs accurate map representations of roads and pathways without physical surveying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If map data is manually collected by driving around with GPS devices, then map accuracy is improved, but time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap data accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data collection continuously as mobile devices travel, building up a repository of route information before it is needed for map updates. Rather than organizing dedicated data collection expeditions, the system accumulates GPS trajectory data in advance from normal device usage, making map accuracy improvements happen automatically over time without dedicated time investments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous data collection through ongoing GPS tracking of mobile devices as they are used normally. This continuous accumulation of route information replaces discontinuous manual surveying operations, providing steady improvements to map accuracy without requiring periodic time-consuming data collection campaigns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If real-time location data is tracked from mobile devices, then direction accuracy is improved, but privacy concerns and data security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection accuracyVSAvoidprivacy and security risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary location information needed for route determination while leaving out personally identifiable details. By separating essential geographic data from sensitive user information, the system achieves accurate direction provision without retaining harmful personal data that could compromise privacy or security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that aggregates and anonymizes location data before storage and analysis. This intermediary mechanism transforms raw GPS trajectories into generalized route patterns, maintaining direction accuracy while preventing direct identification of individual users and reducing security risks associated with raw location data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250189327A1System And Method For Storing And Providing Routes
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 GOOGLE LLC
  • US20250189327A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189327A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189327A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, a system and method is provided whereby map-related requests from mobile devices are used to store and aggregate routes. The routes are then used to determine optimum directions in response to subsequent requests.