Geographic Database Error Reporting via Mobile LIDAR Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems face challenges in efficiently updating and maintaining accurate geographic data, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, due to the dynamic nature of physical objects like buildings and road infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize mobile devices to collect land-based image data, compare it with pre-existing outline templates, and generate error reports to update geographic data, employing techniques like object recognition algorithms and LIDAR technology for accurate representation and reporting of discrepancies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual collection and verification of geographic data is performed, then data accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for updating and checking geographic data increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeographic data accuracyVSAvoidtime required for updating geographic data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-verification of geographic data by comparing LIDAR-generated 3D models with satellite imagery and other data sources. The geographic database system automatically detects discrepancies and generates correction requests, eliminating the need for manual field verification while maintaining high data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual field verification processes with automated computer-based comparison systems. LIDAR technology automatically generates 3D models that are computationally compared with satellite imagery and existing database records, substituting the mechanical manual inspection process with automated digital comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive geographic data collection is performed, then navigation system reliability is improved, but the complexity and effort required for data updating increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation system reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of geographic data updating process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the geographic data verification process into distinct modules: LIDAR data collection, 3D model generation, automated comparison with satellite imagery, discrepancy detection, and correction request generation. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by breaking down the comprehensive data collection and verification into manageable, automated steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces automated comparison systems and algorithms as intermediaries between LIDAR data collection and final database updates. These intermediary systems automatically process and compare different data sources, generating correction requests that simplify the overall updating process while maintaining comprehensive data reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If existing geographic data is used without continuous updating, then the system operation is simpler, but the data becomes out-of-date and less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of navigation system operationVSAvoidgeographic data currency and accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automatic updating of geographic data by continuously comparing LIDAR-generated 3D models with satellite imagery and existing database records. This continuous action ensures data remains current and accurate without requiring manual intervention, maintaining both simplicity of operation and data precision through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where LIDAR data continuously monitors geographic conditions, automatically compares them with existing database information, and generates correction requests when discrepancies are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures geographic data remains accurate and up-to-date while maintaining simple system operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables efficient and accurate updating of geographic data by leveraging mobile devices to identify changes in physical objects, reducing manual effort and ensuring up-to-date navigation information, thereby improving the reliability of navigation systems.

Implementation Method 1

collecting the geographic data using light detection and ranging (LIDAR)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection and ranging (LIDAR): LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP2458336B1Method and system for reporting errors in a geographic database
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP2458336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2458336B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2458336B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A geographic database (130) is updated using image data collected in the background of a viewing application, such as an augmented reality application, running on a mobile device (100). The mobile device (100) determines a current geographic location, which is used to access an outline template generated from the geographic data. The geographic data may include sensor data or images. The outline template is compared to the image data, and an error report is provided from the differences, if any. The differences are associated with physical objects (102) that have changed at the current geographic location from a time when the geographic database was built or last updated to the present time. A typical physical object is a building that was recently built or removed. The error report may be used to directly update the geographic database (130) or trigger further data collection at the geographic location.