Geographic Database Update via Vehicle Camera Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating geographic databases in in-vehicle navigation systems are inefficient, relying on manual data collection, user reporting, and prone to errors due to GPS drift and outdated satellite imagery, which can lead to delayed and inaccurate updates.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing vehicle-mounted cameras to generate geographically coded images, compare them with stored photorealistic data, and update the database automatically by determining if the vehicle is on-road or off-road, detecting new road features, and downloading or reporting necessary updates directly from remote servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data collection by people physically traveling to areas is used, then geographic database updates can be performed, but it is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual data collection (people physically traveling to areas) with an automated optical system (vehicle-mounted cameras capturing images). This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically visit locations, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining data collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing vehicles to automatically capture images during normal operation, with the database update process occurring autonomously through image analysis and comparison algorithms without requiring human intervention for data collection or verification.
2Reliability
If archived satellite imagery is used to confirm end user reports, then database changes can be verified, but the imagery may be outdated requiring additional satellite image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously capturing and storing current images during vehicle operation, so that when verification is needed, up-to-date images are already available in the system without requiring additional satellite image capture or outdated archived imagery.
3Productivity
If satellite imagery with insufficient resolution is used, then database updates can be attempted, but a person would have to travel to the location to confirm changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates high-resolution copies of geographic features through vehicle-mounted cameras that capture detailed images at road level. These local copies provide superior resolution compared to satellite imagery, enabling accurate detection of geographic characteristics without requiring manual verification trips.
4Productivity
If end users are relied upon to report database changes, then update information can be obtained, but users may lack experience, motivation or time to correctly detect and document errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human-dependent reporting system with an automated mechanical/optical system (vehicle-mounted cameras and image analysis algorithms) that objectively detects and documents geographic changes without being subject to human limitations in experience, motivation, or availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating a geographic database containing image data and road vector data to be used in vehicle navigation systems includes determining whether a vehicle is in an on-road position based on information provided by the vehicle navigation system. A geographically coded image is generated with a vehicle-mounted camera if the vehicle is not in an on-road position according to the information provided by the vehicle navigation system. The geographically coded image generated by the vehicle-mounted camera is analyzed in order to determine whether the geographic database requires updating.