Map Alignment Transformation Tree for Cross-Format Coordinate Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mapping systems struggle to provide a unified approach for accurately translating and aligning spatial data between diverse map formats and reference frames, limiting their flexibility and scalability in complex environments.

Innovation Solution

A unified system and method for map alignment and coordinate transformation using a comprehensive transformation tree structure that integrates various map types and coordinate systems, employing automatic alignment algorithms and manual calibration methods to ensure precise spatial alignment across different map scales and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mapping systems focus on specific data formats or use cases, then they can maintain simplicity and ease of operation, but they limit flexibility and scalability in diverse settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidflexibility and scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal coordinate transformation system that can handle multiple map formats (geographic, non-geographic, hybrid) and coordinate systems through a single unified framework. The transformation tree structure and standardized interface allow the system to perform various alignment operations without requiring format-specific processing logic, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a unified system integrates diverse map types and coordinate systems, then flexibility and scalability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and scalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coordinate transformation system into modular components: map group definitions, transformation tree structures, alignment algorithms, and coordinate conversion functions. This segmentation allows each component to be independently developed, tested, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible integration of diverse map types and coordinate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary elements such as the transformation tree and standardized coordinate reference frames that mediate between diverse map formats and the unified spatial model. These intermediaries provide a common interface for coordinate transformations, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of directly handling multiple formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If automatic alignment algorithms are used to establish precise transformations, then measurement precision improves, but computational requirements and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial alignment accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining map groups with their coordinate systems and transformation relationships before actual alignment operations. The transformation tree is constructed in advance with pre-computed transformation matrices, allowing rapid coordinate conversions during runtime without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining high precision while reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260071886A1System and method for unified map alignment and coordinate transformation across multiple data formats
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US20260071886A1 patent drawing
  • US20260071886A1 patent drawing
  • US20260071886A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure presents a system and method for aligning diverse map types and transforming coordinates between them. The method involves receiving a map, selecting an alignment map, and choosing an alignment method. The system then performs the alignment process, generating a transformation matrix that defines the spatial relationship between the maps. The alignment quality is evaluated, and if satisfactory, the transformation matrix is integrated into a transformation tree data structure. This tree represents spatial relationships between multiple maps, enabling complex coordinate transformations. The method supports various map types, including floor plans, satellite imagery, and geographic data, allowing for their integration into a unified spatial framework. By addressing the challenges of aligning maps from different sources and formats, this system facilitates accurate positioning, navigation, and spatial analysis across heterogeneous map environments.