Automatic Indoor Map Annotation via Mobile Device Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic map systems for indoor locations require manual user input for updates, leading to potential errors and outdated annotations, especially in dynamic environments like office buildings where physical layouts and usage changes frequently.

Innovation Solution

A method where a server automatically determines annotations for an electronic map using location information from mobile devices, including time, duration, proximity, application data, image, and sound data, without requiring manual user input, and updates the map based on collective data from multiple devices to ensure accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual user input is used to update map annotations, then the map can be updated with functional information, but errors occur due to incorrect user input and outdated annotations when users fail to update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of map annotationsVSAvoidmanual user input requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically updates map annotations by analyzing mobile device data (location, time, duration, proximity, application data, image and sound data) without requiring manual user input. The server autonomously determines functional information about locations based on aggregated device behavior patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually update annotations while improving accuracy through objective data analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If static maps are used for indoor locations, then the map structure can be maintained, but the map becomes outdated when physical layouts and usage change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap structure stabilityVSAvoidmap update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the static map into a dynamic structure by continuously updating annotations based on real-time and historical mobile device data. The server analyzes changes in device location patterns, time spent at locations, proximity relationships, and other behavioral data to automatically detect and incorporate physical layout changes and usage pattern changes, allowing the map to adapt while maintaining its structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If frequent manual updates are performed to keep annotations current, then the map remains up to date, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveup-to-date annotation statusVSAvoidupdate time and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automatic updating by continuously collecting and analyzing mobile device data in the background. The server processes location information, time stamps, duration data, proximity information, application data, image and sound data from multiple devices to continuously refine and update map annotations without requiring periodic manual intervention, eliminating wasted time and reducing costs while maintaining current accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2896225B1Method and apparatuses for annotating an electronic map relating to location of a mobile device
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2896225B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2896225B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2896225B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method and apparatus for annotating an electronic map. A server receives location information relating to a location of a mobile device. It then determines the location of the mobile device relative to an electronic map. Further information relating to the mobile device is automatically obtained, and used to determine an annotation relating to the electronic map. The annotation can then be associated with a location on the electronic map. Annotations are automatically determined without requiring manual input from a user.