Automated Interior Map Alignment for Venue Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems often provide suboptimal directions when the destination is within a larger venue, as they lack interior map data, leading to inefficient routes and incorrect location guidance.
Innovation Solution
An amalgamated map is generated by integrating interior maps with exterior venue data, using automated processes to align and deform interior maps to match their corresponding exterior representations, updating geocoding for more accurate location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interior maps are integrated with exterior venue data to improve navigation accuracy, then location precision is improved, but map data complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the venue into multiple interior zones or regions, each with its own map data. This allows the system to provide precise location information for specific interior destinations while managing complexity by dividing the overall venue into manageable segments rather than treating it as a single monolithic space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where interior maps are integrated within the broader exterior venue map. The interior map data is embedded or overlaid on the exterior venue representation, creating a hierarchical mapping system where detailed interior information is contained within the context of the overall venue, allowing precise navigation without overwhelming the user with all details at once.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated alignment and deformation processes are applied to interior maps, then integration accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary alignment and deformation transformations to interior maps before integrating them with exterior venue data. By pre-processing the interior maps to match the coordinate system, scale, and orientation of the exterior venue map, the system achieves high integration accuracy while simplifying the overall integration process, as the complex transformations are performed in advance rather than in real-time during navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
Amalgamated maps, comprising interior maps overlaid on venues indicated in general maps can be automatically generated. Initially, interior maps can be obtained through targeted network searches, whose search results can be filtered to retain those that are most likely useable interior maps. A bounding polygon is generated for both interior map and venue exterior from general map. Subsequently, directional histograms representing orientations of lines in bounding polygons are generated and compared to automatically identify a rotation to align the interior map with the venue exterior from the general map. Anchor points are identified to locally deform the interior map, preserving internal structures, to better align with the venue exterior. Once aligned, the interior map can be combined with the general map, forming an amalgamated map. Updated geocoding can be performed based on locations of establishments in the venue as indicated by the interior map.