Fingerprint Survey Routing Using Directed Graph Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual planning of routes for building fingerprinting databases is time-consuming and resource-intensive, particularly in large areas like major retailers or underground transportation networks, and is not scalable, making it impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transform map information into a directed graph, generate an improved tour to traverse the graph entirely, and provide a survey route to collect fingerprint signatures efficiently, ensuring each link is traversed once in both directions, with real-time or post-route assessments to validate the survey.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual route planning is used for building fingerprinting databases, then route coverage can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates survey routes using graph theory algorithms, transforming map information into directed graphs and computing optimal tours without human intervention. This self-service approach eliminates manual route planning while ensuring comprehensive coverage for fingerprinting database construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical route planning with an automated computational system that uses graph transformation and algorithmic tour generation. The system substitutes human effort with automated processing of map data into directed graphs and calculation of optimal survey routes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual route planning is used, then routes can be designed for specific areas, but the process is not scalable to large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the route planning process into distinct computational stages: transforming map information into grid representations, converting grids to directed graphs, and generating optimal tours through algorithmic processing. This segmentation enables the system to handle large areas by breaking down complex planning tasks into manageable computational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation from physical map data to graph-theoretic models (nodes, edges, directed graphs). This parameter transformation allows the system to scale to large areas by working with abstract mathematical representations rather than concrete geographical details, enabling efficient computation of survey routes across extensive regions.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive survey coverage is ensured by traversing each link, then accuracy is improved, but the effort and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transformation of map information into directed graphs before conducting the actual survey. By pre-processing the spatial data into an optimized graph structure, the system enables efficient route traversal that ensures comprehensive coverage while minimizing redundant movements, thus improving both accuracy and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates assessment mechanisms that evaluate whether the survey route has achieved complete coverage and meet quality standards. This feedback system verifies that each link has been traversed appropriately for accurate fingerprint collection while identifying opportunities to optimize the route, balancing measurement precision with survey efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A survey for building fingerprint maps for an area may be achieved using map information to generate a grid of nodes and links, then transforming the grid to a directed graph, generating an improved tour that entirely traverses the directed graph and providing at least one survey route based at least in part on the tour to a surveyor that will perform the survey route. The provided survey route may be traversed with at least one device having an integrated sensor assembly that outputs data representing motion of the device and recording signal measurements with each device at a plurality of positions to generate a fingerprint map. The traversal of the provided survey route may be assessed through in-route assessment and/or post-route assessment. Depending on the assessment, the provided survey route may be re-traversed or a next survey route may be scheduled.