Layered Map Data Download for Offline Autonomous Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map data management systems for autonomous vehicles face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to interrupted network connectivity and unnecessary data loading, particularly when traveling off predetermined routes or in areas with weak network coverage.
Innovation Solution
Organize map data into multiple layers based on different types of data used by various navigation processes, allowing for selective and timed communication of these layers to improve efficiency and reduce memory burden, with prioritization based on processing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map data is downloaded in bulk for the entire travel route in advance, then navigation continuity is improved, but memory usage and network bandwidth consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments map data into multiple layers (e.g., road network layer, POI layer, terrain layer, building layer) that can be independently managed and downloaded. This allows the system to download only essential layers first (improving navigation continuity) while deferring or skipping non-essential layers (reducing memory usage and network consumption).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary downloading of high-priority map data layers before travel begins or during initial connection phases. By identifying and downloading critical navigation layers in advance while postponing optional layers, the system ensures navigation continuity without requiring bulk download of all data.
2Quantity of substance
If map data is downloaded actively while the machine is traveling, then memory usage is reduced, but navigation reliability deteriorates due to network disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing map data into layered segments with different priority levels, the system can download high-priority layers proactively during periods of good network connectivity, while low-priority layers are downloaded reactively or skipped entirely. This segmentation allows the system to balance memory constraints with navigation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary downloads of essential map layers when network conditions are favorable (before travel or during stable connectivity periods). This preliminary action ensures critical data is available offline, improving navigation reliability without requiring continuous high memory usage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all map data layers are downloaded together as a group, then data consistency is improved, but download time and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of map data into hierarchical layers that can be downloaded in staged batches. High-priority layers (road networks, intersections) are downloaded first to establish basic navigation functionality, followed by medium-priority layers (POIs, landmarks), and finally low-priority layers (detailed building models, terrain). This staged approach maintains data consistency within each layer while dramatically reducing individual download times and network bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary downloads of the most critical map layers first, establishing a consistent baseline for navigation. Less critical layers are downloaded subsequently or on-demand, allowing the system to achieve functional consistency without requiring simultaneous download of all data.
4Reliability
If unnecessary portions of map data are loaded for predetermined routes, then navigation coverage is improved, but memory usage and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by downloading and loading map data layers selectively based on their relevance to the specific travel route and terrain. For example, urban routes trigger download of POI and building layers, while rural routes may only require road network and terrain layers. This localized data loading improves navigation coverage for actual routes while minimizing memory usage and processing overhead by avoiding uniform loading of all possible data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by downloading only the subset of map layers actually needed for the specific navigation task rather than all available layers. By assessing route characteristics and selecting only necessary data layers, the system achieves adequate navigation coverage without the processing overhead of handling unnecessary data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to intelligent download and management of map data. For example, a machine may use map data stored thereon to perform operations. The map data may be organized according to multiple data layers based at least on different types of map data used by multiple different processes of a processing system of a machine. The different processes may be configured to perform one or more operations associated with a navigation system. A computing system may be configured to cause communication of one or more individual data layers to the processing system based at least on one or more individual prioritizations associated with the one or more individual data layers. The individual prioritizations may be based at least on a timing of processing of the individual data layers by one or more processes that are respectively associated with the individual data layers.